Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: 'Eden Hazard can play up front'

Eden Hazard takes Chelsea's final penalty during the League Cup game with Stoke City on October 27, 2015
© AFP
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte suggests that he will consider playing Eden Hazard as a forward this season.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has suggested that he may play Eden Hazard as a forward this season.

The Belgium international has played on the wing and through the middle for Chelsea since his arrival from Lille in 2012.

Conte, though, believes that Hazard can make an impact as a striker, but has stressed that the 25-year-old needs to improve his physical shape.

"I like him in this position, like a forward," The Mirror quotes Conte as saying. "It can be a good solution for us. He can play as a winger, but also he can play as the second forward.

"He must improve his shape but he is working hard and his shape can improve a lot, the same as the other players."

Hazard scored two goals in a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid after coming off the bench to make his first appearance under Conte.

Romelu Lukaku of Everton celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns on September 28, 2015 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom.
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