Chelsea star Eden Hazard has vowed to become one of the world’s elite players after Ballon d’Or snub
The Belgian ace is back to the form that saw him win the PFA Player of the Year award when he lifted the title with the Blues
CHELSEA attacker Eden Hazard is on a mission to reach the summit of world football after failing to make this year Ballon d'Or shortlist.
The Belgian is back to his best form of two seasons ago when he helped Chelsea win the title and was voted PFA and Football writers player of the year.
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Hazard is on a roll, his brace in the 5-0 demolition of Everton on Saturday made it seven league goals already this season and five in his last four league outings.
He said: “Last season I was not good, so for me it was normal that I was not on the list. But I want to come back on the list, and give everything to be on the list, not to be in the top 23 but to be in the top five. Yes, I want to reach that level.”
Chelsea's blistering form saw Antonio Conte's side got top of the table before Liverpool thrashed Watford at Anfield on Sunday. The Blues have won five straight league games without conceding a goal.
After falling out with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, the former Lille attacker has found a new lease of life under new boss Antonio Conte.
He added "Last season was difficult for me. I tried to be the same player that I was two years ago."
“But now I am trying to play like when I was a kid. I am enjoying playing now, my position is a bit different from before, I go inside more." It gives me more freedom, and am good for the moment."
The new system used by the Italian has allowed Hazard more freedom in his game to inflict maximum damage on the opposition in the final third of the pitch.
“Because I don’t need to defend against the right-back, because Marcos Alonso is there. I just focus on staying in my position. And when I have the ball I have more freedom and I can go where I want to go, and be decisive." Hazard added.
“I don’t know. I don’t try to find excuses. But I was not at the top level, for the first time since I started my career." When asked why he had such a poor season last term.
“I have won a lot of trophies, individual as well. But last season I was maybe a little bit tired, mentally, physically. I don’t know.”