Hazard to Remain at Stamford Bridge?

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Chelsea had one man to thank for their recent 2-1 win at Watford in the Premier League and his name is Eden Hazard.

The brilliant Belgian opened the scoring by rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the back of the net.  With the score tied at 1-1 in the second half, Hazard won a penalty has he pushed the ball beyond Ben Foster and stepped up to convert the spot-kick himself to seal the points for his team.

The 2 goals in that game saw Hazard move into double figures for the season, just 2 goals behind the leading scorer in the Premier League.  Not only has Hazard been scoring goals, he has also been creating plenty for his teammates and the former Lille man has 9 assists to his name in the Premier League this season, making him the most creative player in the division.

Interestingly, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has opted to use Hazard as a false number 9 many times this season, with two wide players either side of the Belgium international. It worked wonders against Watford and even when it comes to holding up the ball like a striker, Hazard has the control and strength do it well.

There were many rumours in the press over the summer linking Hazard with a move to Real Madrid and perhaps Sarri is hoping to keep his player happy by given him the license to play up-front.  Hazard certainly seemed pleased with his current role at the club in an interview following the win at Vicarage Road.

Hazard said, "I want to score more for this club and then try to be a legend like Lampard, Terry, Drogba, I try to do my best. But when we are winning we can enjoy a lot."

This suggests Hazard plans to stay at Stamford Bridge in a bid to lead the team to glory this season and in the future. However, a place in the Champions League next season is surely a must if Hazard is to remain with the Blues.

Considering how the Premier League is panning out this season, a place in the Champions League is far from guaranteed and Chelsea will surely be focusing their efforts on the top four.  Sarri also has another route to the Champions League by winning the Europa League and the chance for Hazard to shine in the final will not be lost on the manager.

Another factor to consider when moving to Real Madrid is Hazard’s role in the team.  There is no doubt he is the main man at Chelsea and has the statistics to back it up this season.  However, at Real Madrid he will be one of several players who consider themselves to be the number one.  As a man who simply enjoys his football, it may not be the best environment to flourish in what should be the best years of his career.

Chelsea fans will hope Hazard keeps true to his word and does his best to become a legend at the club.