Eden Hazard Comments on Ballon d'Or, Increased Chelsea 'Freedom' and More

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has outlined his ambition to be in the race for the Ballon d’Or award in the future after his stunning start to the Premier League season.

After disappointing in the 2015-16 campaign, the Belgium international has blossomed under new manager Antonio Conte and turned in another dazzling performance for the Blues in the 5-0 hammering of Everton on Saturday. 

Having missed out on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Men's Player 2016 award due to his poor previous term, Hazard has spoken of his determination to become one of the greats of the game. 

“Last season I wasn't good, so for me it's normal that I'm not on the list,” he said, per Liam Twomey of ESPN FC. “I want to come back and give everything to be on the list—not to be in the top 23, but to be in the top five. I want to reach this level.”

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Should he continue turning in performances like Saturday’s, then that ascension will be inevitable. The former Lille man tormented the Toffees time after time at Stamford Bridge with his close control, intelligent movement and incision in the final third, netting two goals in the rout.

Squawka Football broke down the key numbers behind the mesmeric display, which temporarily pushed the Blues to the top of the Premier League table:

Chelsea’s form overall has been pretty spectacular as of late, too. Since the 3-0 loss to Arsenal, Conte has made some crucial changes in terms of personnel and tactics; since then, the Blues have won five league games in succession without conceding a goal.

Many have credited the 3-4-3 formation being deployed by the manager as the catalyst for the change in form and the rejuvenation of Hazard. The man himself has played down any difference in his role on the field although noted he now has added license to roam.

“It doesn't change a lot—I just have a bit more freedom when we have the ball and without the ball,” said the Chelsea man. “I just focus on staying in my position and when I have the ball I have more freedom—I can go where I want and be decisive. I try to shoot [more]. People talk to me and say, 'You don't shoot enough’.”

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The platform provided by the rest of the Chelsea side has been a huge help for Hazard. The team has settled into the new system superbly, and with Conte demanding unbending intensity from his players, the Blues have been so difficult to establish a pattern against.

The Guardian’s Amy Lawrence has been struck by just how quickly the Italian has been able to make his mark at Stamford Bridge:

Hazard’s ability to turn in performances like the one against Everton has never been in doubt, as in terms of natural talent, he’s one of the most naturally gifted footballers in the world. It’s stringing these displays together consistently that’s prevented him from making it into that top-five bracket.

The winger’s reputation took something of a battering last term, and there were occasions when the attitude and application of Hazard left much to be desired. But under Conte, the stars have aligned for the 25-year-old in spectacular style.

After netting in his last four league games, the challenge for Hazard will be to preserve these impeccable standards, as Chelsea go on the hunt for Premier League glory under their effervescent manager. With freedom to flourish at the point of this cohesive unit, everything is in place for the Blues star to cement his status as a world-class player.