Pat Nevin sends encouraging message to Chelsea fans about Eden Hazard
The Chelsea legend is encouraged about Eden Hazard's cameo performance in a 0-0 draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge
Pat Nevin has taken plenty of encouragement from Eden Hazard’s cameo performance in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
The Belgium international made his return from a broken ankle in a 2-1 win at Leicester City earlier this month after Hazard replaced Cesc Fabregas at the King Power Stadium.
Hazard was given even more game time from the bench in Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League group stage last week.
The Chelsea number 10 got more first-team minutes under his belt after Antonio Conte turned to Hazard in the 70th minute of their goalless stalemate with Arsenal.
Hazard came off the bench to cause the Arsenal defence some problems as the Belgium international continues to step up his rehabilitation from a broken ankle.
Former Chelsea winger Nevin was impressed with Hazard’s 20-minute performance as the Blues look to get their prized asset back to match fitness.
“At times like that you need something different or something special and Eden Hazard’s cameo at the end showed us precisely what that was,” Nevin told Chelsea’s website.
“For all that it has been a good run since the beginning of the season, it is times like these when you fully appreciate what Eden brings to the table.
“You can match up all over the pitch as much as you like but if someone dances past three players, your system and structure is smashed.”
Nevin added: “A fully fit Eden is probably what was needed on this specific occasion and I reckon that even though we only got to see a few of his dribbles and runs, it was quite a considerable step forward from his short appearance against Qarabag.”
Chelsea won the Premier League title thanks in part to Hazard’s impressive performances in the Blues team in Conte’s first season in charge.
Hazard netted 16 goals and made seven assists in the Premier League last term as Chelsea finished seven points clear of Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues signed six players in the summer transfer window.
