What a season it’s been for Eden Hazard, the Belgian has found his best form again after an out-of-sorts campaign last year. The 26-year-old has bagged 14 goals and 5 assists in his 29 Premier League appearances so far this term, impressive figures from an impressive player.

Although the in vogue N’Golo Kante is odds on favourite to pick up the PFA Player of the Year award it is Hazard who is Chelsea’s most important player. The Belgian is the man who the Blues would miss most if he were to pick up a serious injury.

Chelsea’s other star forward Diego Costa recently spoke about Hazard at length to the Independent , here’s what the Spaniard had to say:

“Playing with Eden is something beautiful. You’re playing on the field and at the same time enjoying what he does because he is a top player.

“At every moment I know when he is going to pass the ball to me and I also know when he wants the ball from me to complete the move.

“He’s a boy that impresses me every day, he has a huge potential. He is a beautiful person, a humble guy.

“We get on really well while playing and I hope we stay together like this for a very long time.”

It’s true that last year was a major blot on his Premier League career; he appeared to just down tools for the season and not look bothered in the slightest. The clearest display of this was when he all of a sudden turned it on to snatch a 2-2 home draw with Spurs at the back end of last season to put an end to their title hopes. He played unbelievably, but where had that player been for the 30 games previous to that one?

After such a terrible campaign it was important he responded, and reminded everyone just how good he is, and boy has he done that. Chelsea’s season has been built on sitting deep and being solid with 7 defensive players, then springing on teams, hitting them on the counter with blistering pace and precision. Hazard is vital to this style of play; his breakaway goal at Bournemouth last weekend was a clear example of this.

As the season draws to a close Hazard will need to keep up his excellent form to ensure Chelsea stay ahead of Spurs. Chelsea’s rivals look hell-bent on making sure they earn their Premier League crown, claiming win after win at the moment. However, with a 7-point gap if the Blues let it slip from this position it would be one of the biggest shocks in Premier League history. But with Hazard around you just can’t see that happening.