Eden Hazard is prepared to play left-back for Chelsea if Conte wants him to

Posted Wednesday, March 28, 2018 by squawka.com

Eden Hazard insists he is happy at Chelsea and says he will play in any position Antonio Conte wants him to.

The Belgian has scored 15 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions so far this season, mostly playing on the left of Chelsea's forward line.

But Conte came under criticism for playing Hazard through the middle in the false nine position in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Premier League earlier this month.

Hazard, who has been long linked with a move to Real Madrid, was totally ineffective at the Etihad, leading to suggestions he could seek an exit from Stamford Bridge.

But the 27-year-old says he is willing to play out of position when required.

"I just want to be on the pitch," Hazard told a press conference, via Goal.

"No.9, No.10 – I can play left-back if the manager wants, no problem. I'll give everything, like I do every time.

"I'm happy with Chelsea. I'm just thinking about the end of the season and the World Cup. I've got two years left in my contract."

Hazard vs Manchester City in numbers

Eden Hazard is prepared to play left-back for Chelsea if Conte wants him to

Hazard finished Chelsea's close yet rather embarrassing 1-0 defeat at Manchester City with an 85% passing success rate, but that was his only impressive statistic.

The Blues repeatedly tried to play the ball over the top for Hazard, but the approach didn't suit the Belgian at all as he won none of his aerial duels.

Hazard didn't have a single shot in the entire game, and was successful with only two take-ons – he has averaged 6.19 successful take-ons per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season.

What's more, the Belgian wasn't able to create a single chance for a teammate on a forgettable day for both the attacker and his side.

He will be hoping for better Tuesday night when his Belgium team take on Saudi Arabia.