Is Mourinho right - Hazard's better in a wide role for Chelsea?

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The Belgian international has asked to play in the No.10 position - but he reverted back to his usual role on the left flank against Maccabi Tel Aviv
Eden Hazard’s poor start to the season has been one of the biggest surprises for Chelsea but the Belgian is attempting to end his slump by moving into a central role.

Last season’s PFA Player of the Year has revealed that he spoke with Jose Mourinho before the international break about playing as a No.10, rather than on the left flank, but the Chelsea boss is adamant that the change in position will not be permanent.

After his spells in the centre against Stoke City and Norwich, Hazard reverted back to his role out wide for Chelsea’s comfortable 4-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.



In the 4-0 win over Tel Aviv, Hazard played on the left flank but the Belgian felt the full wrath of Mourinho for his defensive negligence in the second half.

The Israeli champions, who had been reduced to 10 men, had the chance to pull level in the 51st minute when Eli Dasa was sent through on goal. Asmir Begovic was able to make the save but Mourinho was visibly irked by Hazard’s failure to track back.


Hazard’s first half was bright as he combined well with Oscar and Willian, while the Belgian also forced a good save from Predrag Rajkovic after the break before being replaced by Pedro with 21 minutes to go.



In the 1-0 win over Norwich City, Hazard received more of the ball in the No.10 position and created five chances during the match - but Mourinho admits his star man from last season runs the risk of being stifled in that role.

"When he plays at No. 10, he gets into areas where sometimes he is surrounded by teams," said the Chelsea manager earlier this week.

"It's more about him attacking the right-back and the right-back is always in trouble against a player who has his best quality in a one-against-one."



In Chelsea's defeat at Stoke City before the international break, Hazard began on the left flank but drifted towards the centre as the match progressed.

Hazard remains without a goal for Chelsea in 22 games in all competitions - a run that extends into last season and is his longest since his joined Chelsea in August 2012.

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