Chelsea: 5 Reasons Eden Hazard Will Be The World's Best Player
4. Mourinho Making Him A Team Player
One classic feature of a Jose Mourinho side is their willingness to fight for each other, and play as a fully-functioning team of eleven players, with less focus on individual brilliance. That is not to say Mourinho will try to stifle flair, as let's not forget he managed Ronaldo, but he will demand that a player also tracks back and does the dirty work. Hazard was never the most selfish or lazy of players, but previous managers had perhaps been more willing to let him focus on his more attacking side. Last week's victory over Man City was evidence that Mourinho has turned him into the complete player - one who will press and harry the opposition, and then scare them when in possession himself. In Chelsea's title run-in, complete team effort and ethic will be required, and with Hazard as the team's attacking centre none of this will be sacrificed. It is clear that Mourinho did not believe Mata was up to this challenge, despite his wonderful history at the club, but the returning manager will certainly take a great deal of credit for Hazard's evolution.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.