Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Eden Hazard’s recent performances for the Blues after his positional change to play as a striker alongside Alvaro Morata.

Hazard is predominantly known as an attacking midfielder who can play anywhere across the front three, but an out and out striker is perhaps not a position you’d expect to see him in.

However, with Conte changing his formation in recent weeks to a 3-5-2, it has seen Hazard in turn move further up the pitch in order to link-up with Morata – something which is a brilliant partnership to watch.

And the Italian has not stopped short of once again praising the Belgian.

“The start of this season was full of trouble with Eden because he had an injury with the national team and we started the season without him,” said Conte.

“Now I think Eden is in really good form and I think he likes to play as a striker. There is a good link with Alvaro and for me also it’s a great opportunity to play with two different systems.

“It’s important we don’t lose our identity in both cases.”

Speaking about the draw with Liverpool, in which substitute Willian scored the late equaliser, Conte was full of praise – saying he is ‘happy’ with the impact.

“I am happy because the impact of the substitutes was great. I want to create this atmosphere between us.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]