Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has claimed that Eden Hazard adds more defensive solidity to the team by playing in the false-nine role.
Chelsea’s main specialist strikers, Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have been inconsistent in front of goal this season and this has been viewed by many as being the primary reason as to why Hazard has been used as a false-nine. The Belgian has shone in his new role this season and also scored a brace for the Blues on Wednesday as they managed a 2-1 victory over Watford.
The versatile attacking midfielder scored his first goal by rounding Hornets goalkeeper Ben Foster before adding his second from the penalty spot.
While discussing Hazard’s position, Sarri told Sky Sports, as reported by The Star: “In this moment we need this solution because we need to be more solid defensively and with this system we can score and become more solid in the defensive phase.
“Maybe in the last match, we played better in the first half than we did tonight, but today the application was very good. I think [Hazard] played very well, not only for his two goals, but he was good with his teammates and in open spaces. I like him in every position he is a great player.”
Chelsea clearly need a new striker in January to not only add quality to the side but to also ease the burden on Hazard. A move for Gonzalo Higuain has been touted. Despite being 31-years-old, Higuain, who is currently playing for AC Milan on loan from Juventus, is still capable of scoring goals and is very experienced.
He has also previously has worked well with Sarri. During his final season with Napoli, Higuain famously scored 36 goals from 35 Serie A appearances before moving to Juventus the following season. Chelsea would benefit from adding a striker such as Higuain to their line-up and they should even consider sending Morata to Milan if it can help them to clinch a deal.
