Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has expressed his approval regarding Maurizio Sarri’s use of Eden Hazard in a central attacking role at Chelsea.
Against Manchester City, Sarri opted for Hazard to assume central attacking responsibilities in lieu of Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud and the Blues boss’ decision paid off as they ran out 2-0 victors at Stamford Bridge.
Martinez, who manages the Blues forward internationally, states that he does not expect Hazard to play in such role regularly but believes that the 27-year-old’s outstanding balance and low centre of gravity make him as good a target man as any in the game.
“He’s someone who can hold the ball as well as any No.9, a target man,” said the Belgium manager. “He’s got a really good centre of gravity. I’m sure Eden can play in different situations but that it was a one-off. You’re not going to be facing Manchester City or the quality of Manchester City [every week].”
The Chelsea superstar has played in a central role before under Antonio Conte, a situation he said he did not enjoy, yet under Sarri, Hazard seemed to thrive in such role, having provided both assists in their victory over Man City and Martinez believes this is due to the Belgian superstar keen to make himself be seen as a team player as well.
“That’s probably what people don’t see,” added Martinez. “Eden is a mature footballer. If he has to do something for the team he will do it. He did it in the World Cup with Belgium. Yes, he relies on individual quality in what he brings in the game, but he is a team player.
“As you saw [on Saturday] he was prepared to do something that he’s not used to and doesn’t do normally. But he’s prepared to understand what he needs to do when the ball gets into his feet.”
