"I would play left-back if the coach told me to do so," says Eden Hazard

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is tackled by Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City during the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Villa Park on August 12, 2012 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Eden Hazard had a mixed afternoon at Villa Park on Sunday. Experiencing defeat on his debut in a competitive match was not the best of starts for the Belgian, who was good on the ball and confident even after the failed backheel attempt. He was in a good mood and spoke with the press after the match.

“The English game is very fast and I believe it’s a perfect style of play for my qualities,” Hazard said. “I’m here to play these very intense games. In France, it could be intense for 10-15 minutes and then quiet but here, it is always at the maximum. I was stopped by big [physical] tackles but it was the same at Lille. People always tried to stop me playing hard. But when it’s fair, like it was [on Sunday], it’s OK.

“I’m pleased with my performance. I can do better, of course, and adjust more with the team but I’m confident. I have settled very well. I have a house now near to the Chelsea training ground and I enjoy my new life. My team-mates are very cool … great players and nice guys.”

Eden looked confident in my opinion and is ready to take up the new challenge. He has finally got some taste of English football and knows where he can improve. The fact that he has become comfortable with the new surroundings is good news for the Chelsea faithful.

When pressed on how he would compete with Mata and Oscar about getting the No.10 role , right behind the striker, this is what he had to say :

“The main thing for me is to play,” Hazard said. “I would play left-back if the coach told me to do so. I’m in a big club. I’m the new one in the team and it’s my job to adapt myself. I saw more of the ball at Lille in a free role but now, I have to do better playing with fewer balls. I think the title race is very open. The two Manchester clubs seem favourites but Chelsea will have a word to say in this race.”

He understands how it will feel like being a Chelsea player at this period of time. He knows about Ligue 1 and knows he cannot be selfish. He is ready to even play at left back if asked to and on Sunday he was deployed as cover for Ashley Cole, who is used to going forward from time to time.

Eden has faced a lot of stick from opposite fans for the way he handled his transfer talk before moving to Chelsea. Its time for the fans to support him and let the people know that he is in fact a much better person.

Eden went a step further by affirming his status among the fans by hailing Fernando Torres as the best striker ever. He backed the Chelsea No 9 to show his best form this season. With the departure of Drogba, Torres is expected to lead the attack and Eden knows that he and the other new boys were brought in to open the defence for the Spanish hitman. Torres opened Chelsea’s account against Manchester City , much to the delight of the Chelsea fans.

“It was a great finish,” said Hazard. “And I know a lot more will come.

“Fernando is one of the best strikers in the world – quick and powerful and very efficient in front of goal.”

With the odd’s high against Torres to end this season as the league’s top scorer, expectations will be high and hopefully he wont disappoint.