For Eden Hazard, the first season at Chelsea was supposed to be a difficult one, given the immense physical demands of the Premier League and his modest stature at 5’8″. Hazard, although he advertised himself respectably with 13 goals for the season. The next season earned him 17 goals plus the PFA Young Player of the Year award The following season, he scored a further 19 and won the PFA Player of the Year award In both seasons he was voted unanimously as the Player of the Year from Chelsea.

Three seasons with the West London team, and Hazard was a superstar. Her dribbling skills were fascinating, her ability to slip past defenders with ease was a delight to watch. She could score at will, her pace was amazing and her set pieces were brilliant.

In fact, terminologies such as ‘the next Messi’ and ‘a future Ballon d’Or’ were heard when referring to Hazard. And though Hazard found himself crashing on the soccer turf often, courtesy of aggressive defending, his form took an abruptly similar turn before long.

Playing the 2015-16 season for the defending Premier League champions, Hazard lost possession often and it seemed his heart was not in the game. He tried to change it but nothing came of it. His tally of just six goals had a symbiotic relationship with Chelsea’s own decline during the season as they endured a humble 10th place finish. Unfortunately for the Belgian, he took the brunt of criticism from the media, former players and pundits.

They said it was a ‘flash in the pan’, ‘weak’ and ‘overrated’. PSG and Real Madrid generously offered to give him a way out. West London was not a happy place.

All that was about to change.

The new season brought a new Italy manager, Antonio Conte, and a new line-up that worked wonders for Chelsea and indeed Hazard.

As part of the tip of the unusual 3-4-3, Hazard found all the momentum he needed. With his hunger back, he ripped apart the opposing defenders, looking stronger and sharper. He scored again in freedom and the passes and first touches from him were precise and incisive.

Buoyed by their 14 goals so far, the West Londoners sit top of the league table with a bit of light between them and their nearest opponents. He has definitely shut down all doubters and worked his way back to elite status. Those comparisons with Messi and Ballon d’Or declarations circulate again.

A big change for the Belgian magician!