BLUES BOSS HAZ WON STAR OVER

put in since arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer marks him down as someone who sees the bigger picture and knows how to cherish his assets.

There are quite a few managers who can learn something from him. And one in particular.

If Hazard does end up leaving for the bright lights of Madrid, then no one will be able to point the finger of blame in the Italian’s direction.

Sarri knows Hazard is his pot of gold. “He is a genius – unique,” he said.

It will take more than sweet talk to keep Hazard, of course, but Sarri has a much more powerful tool at his disposal and is using it to perfection.

Sarri sends Hazard out onto the field with a free role. A licence to roam around and wreak havoc among defences. Just ask Liverpool and Cardiff ?

Hazard likes things simple. If his family are happy, then so is he. If he’s allowed to maximise his skills in the team, then all is well in the world of the Belgian.

Has there ever been such a high-profile superstar with such low-maintenance behaviour?

Under previous regimes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, Hazard’s role was different and so was his mood. His job involved tracking back, defending and putting his health on the line with the risk of injuries.

There was no room for debate. The issue wasn’t up for negotiation with either Mourinho or

Conte.

But under Sarri’s watch the results from Hazard have been phenomenal. After all, what player wouldn’t want to be banned from having to defend?

Hazard has seven goals in eight games this season. It took him until late November to reach the same total last time out.

This is what the top stars do.

Goals rule football, because goals make all the difference in the end.

It’s not rocket science.

Hazard shouldn’t be seen inside his own half.

He’s still getting to grips with his new role under

Sarri, because previous orders hang about in his psyche.

But he is now owning games like his remarkable talent suggests he should. Like his hero Zinedine Zidane used to do.

Hazard took the No.10 shirt, following Juan Mata’s departure to Manchester United, in homage to Zidane. He wears it well, too, just like the French genius used to.

But will he still be donning Blue come the start of next season?

Sarri has overcome every challenge so far since replacing Conte, but the biggest one of all still lies ahead.