Conte wants more from revitalised Hazard

LONDON: Chelsea’s revitalised winger Eden Hazard has been challenged to step up his performances even further after making an impressive start under new Blues boss Antonio Conte.

Hazard, England’s Footballer of the Year in 2015, endured a difficult campaign last season when Chelsea finished 10th in the table, Jose Mourinho was sacked and the Belgian international failed to score a Premier League goal until May.

However, the former Lille player appears to have rediscovered his mojo.

There were glimpses of a revival at the end of last season under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink and again at Euro 2016 despite Belgium’s quarter-final exit.

Now, with Conte in charge and stability restored at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old, who captained his country in France, has started the new season in sparkling form.

He scored a superb goal after only nine minutes as Chelsea beat Burnley 3-0 on Saturday to make it four successive victories in all competitions.

“Eden is a fantastic player, working very well with a great attitude. After the first day, I saw this. I saw his will to work and improve and find a good shape very quickly,” Conte said.

“I can also say that his performance can still improve. But I’m pleased with his commitment and workrate - and the same goes for all the players. The attitude is good and I like this.”