Revitalised Chelsea winger rediscovers his mojo

CHELSEA’S revitalised winger Eden Hazard has been challenged to step up his performance even further after making an impressive start under new Blues boss Antonio Conte.

Hazard, England’s Footballer of the Year in 2015, endured a difficult campaign last season when Chelsea finished 10th in the table and the Belgian international failed to score a Premier League goal until May.

However, the former Lille player appears to have rediscovered his mojo. There were glimpses of a revival at the end of last season under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink, and again at Euro 2016 despite Belgium’s quarter-final exit.

Now, with stability restored at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old has started the new season in sparkling form.

He scored a superb goal after only nine minutes as Chelsea beat Burnley 3-0 on Saturday to make it four successive victories in all competitions and leave the Blues flying high in the Premier League table. Further goals from Willian and Victor Moses completed an encouraging victory for Chelsea, but there was no doubt Hazard was the inspiration.

“Eden is a fantastic player with a great attitude. After the first day I saw his will to work and improve and find a good shape very quickly,” Conte said. “I can also say his performance can still improve, but I’m pleased with his commitment and work-rate.”

Hazard’s performance in Chelsea’s latest win hints at good things to come for the Blues, who are hoping to challenge for the title this season despite the huge amounts of money spent by rivals such as Manchester United and Manchester City.

Conte, who came straight to Stamford Bridge after guiding Italy to the quarterfinals of Euro 2016, has totally transformed that atmosphere in west London – and getting the best out of Hazard could be the key to future success. — AFP