Eden Hazard has revealed his best position on the pitch and it’s not the left wing role he currently fills in Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
Conte, since he arrived at Chelsea has mainly used a front three system that sees a center back flanked by pacy and technical wingers.
Hazard has been one of the forwards in the front three system, usually playing on the left of the striker.
After his fine display against Atletico Madrid, combining with Alvaro Morata at times to strike fear in the hearts of the Diego Simeone-assembled defense, Hazard wants more but in a different position.
Hazard wants to play in the middle of the park – the number 10 role – so he can be closer to the striker, where he feels he can contribute more.
I want to play as a number 10. Of course, playing with Alvaro Morata is good because we can have this link together.
Sometimes [when I’m on the wing] the opponent knows me and it’s easier to control me. But playing more inside is better because as soon as I have the ball, I can go close to the goal.
Eden Hazard, Sport Review
Hazard has previously featured in the no. 10 role for Chelsea after he arrived in 2012. He was deployed in the role by Roberto Di Matteo in a deadly partnership with Oscar and Mata.
Conte on the other hand is a master tactician, who will prefer his players all have defensive roles and wants wingers who can track back and help marauding wing backs.
Should Conte choose to listen to his superstar, his system that has worked over the past few months will likely change. A formation and shape that has a play maker in the hole could be used.
It will be interesting to see how Conte reacts to this.
