Eden Hazard Solving Slump Mystery Key to Chelsea F.C. Recovering Form
Eden Hazard starred for Chelsea F.C. in the 2014-15 season but has been a shadow of his former self. However, the Belgian star will still be the key man for the English club if they are recover from their dramatic fall from grace.
- Associated Press
- Updated: November 23, 2015 06:49 PM IST
If one player epitomizes Chelsea's slump it's surely Eden Hazard. (Jose Mourinho Hopes Break Refreshes Chelsea and Eden Hazard)
The playmaker was feted as the Premier League's finest talent as last season ended with Chelsea winning the title and England's top two individual awards were presented to the 24-year-old Belgian. (Champions League: Willian Free-Kick Gives Chelsea Nervy Win Over Dynamo Kiev)
As Chelsea has struggled since August - starting its title defense by collecting 14 points from a possible 39 and sitting second in Champions League Group G - so has Hazard.
"I didn't start the season well. I tried to find out why, but I don't know," Hazard said ahead of Tuesday's match at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
"Sometimes you don't know. You have to keep going. I gave everything in training, on the pitch when I played. I hope I can get a lot of form and try to help the team win games."
Chelsea, which can qualify for the knockout phase with victory in Israel if leader Porto beats Dynamo Kiev, ended a run of three league losses on Saturday by beating Norwich 1-0. (Champions League Preview)
Hazard thrived in a central role playing behind Diego Costa rather than being on the left flank - the result of a conversation with under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho.
"I said to him, 'Maybe we have to try to change something. If I can play number 10?" Hazard recalled.
At a time when Chelsea is struggling to score, Hazard's only goals this season have come while on international duty with four for Belgium.
Hazard accrued 19 goals for Chelsea in winning the player of the year awards for 2014-15. Far from that being a launch-pad to try to challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for elite global status, Hazard's career has stalled.
Mourinho isn't being blamed for his or Chelsea's loss in form.
"I don't have a problem with him," Hazard said. "He is the best manager. He is the best manager for Chelsea and we hope we can win a lot of trophies together. Maybe not this season because it will be difficult, but next season and on."