Jamie Redknapp: Why Eden Hazard makes such a difference to Chelsea
The former Liverpool midfielder heaps praise on Chelsea star Eden Hazard
Jamie Redknapp has lavished praise on Chelsea forward Eden Hazard after his performance in Sunday evening’s 2-0 win at Southampton.
The Belgium international broke the deadlock in the sixth minute with a superb solo effort at St Mary’s to score his fifth Premier League goal of the 2016-17 season.
Diego Costa doubled the visitors’ advantage in the second half with his eighth goal in 10 Premier League games to leave the Spanish striker top of the division’s goal-scoring charts.
However, former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Redknapp believes Hazard is Antonio Conte’s key player following the 25-year-old’s influential performance against the Saints.
“Eden Hazard makes such a difference,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“When he is in form, he is a joy to watch. He sets the tempo. He lifts the Chelsea players. Every time he gets the ball, you feel something is going to happen.
“He is such a great release for the team. He was magnificent. He is back to that brilliance where he was a few years ago.”
Chelsea hoisted themselves above Tottenham Hotspur and into fourth place courtesy of their 2-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday evening.
The Blues are a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City after 10 top-flight games so far.
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Conte’s side will face a tricky assignment in their next Premier League game when Everton make the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have won their last four Premier League games without conceding a goal.
