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I'm a Number 10

Eden Hazard to Antonio Conte – play me in my preferred role at Chelsea

Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has pleaded with Blues boss Antonio Conte to play him in his preferred Number 10 role.

CHELSEA star Eden Hazard is becoming frustrated in his role at Stamford Bridge.

New Blues boss Antonio Conte is finally implementing his preferred system of three central defenders with his full backs providing the width. However Hazard who was instrumental in Chelsea's win at Hull last time out playing in a more central role and the 25-year-old insists that's where he should be used.

 Eden Hazard a particularly impressive 2014-15 season with Chelsea
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Eden Hazard a particularly impressive 2014-15 season with ChelseaCredit: Getty Images

The line up sees Hazard deployed down the left with Willian on the opposite side. The Belgian International has admitted the new Conte team shape is not getting the best out of him, unlike for his country where new coach Roberto Martinez has given Hazard the freedom he enjoys playing in his preferred role as a number 10.

 New Belgian boss Roberto Martinez is using Hazard in the No10 role
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New Belgian boss Roberto Martinez is using Hazard in the No10 roleCredit: Getty Images

Hazard revealed "I like to play as a No 10, I think I have more freedom offensively. Belgium have full backs who run hard and create a lot of space for the national team, which is good and I like to play there"

 Conte won three Scudettos with Juventus using his tried and trusted 3-5-2 formation
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Conte won three Scudettos with Juventus using his tried and trusted 3-5-2 formationCredit: EPA

Conte won three Serie A titles with Juventus using his tried and trusted 3-5-2 formation. The Italian will be hard pressed to change his philosophy to fit with Hazard's desire to play in his preferred position.

 Antonio Conte has not been blown away by Eden Hazard since arriving at Chelsea
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Antonio Conte has not been blown away by Eden Hazard since arriving at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images

The 25-year-old was the best player in the Premier League under former boss Jose Mourinho. Deployed in his preferred role behind main striker Diego Costa, Hazard scored 19 goals helping the Blues win the Premier League and scooping  the PFA and Football writers player of the year awards.

 Eden Hazard scooping the PFA Player of the year award in 2015
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Eden Hazard scooping the PFA Player of the year award in 2015Credit: PA:Press Association

"I don't know if I can play there for Chelsea, you need to ask the manager. I play on the left-hand side, I try to do my best I can. But I do like to play there (at No 10). At Chelsea we don't often play with that system" Hazard added.

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