8 goals, 49 chances created: Has Chelsea’s £32m superstar silenced his critics?

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard is undoubtedly one of the greatest young talents in the Premier League. At just 22-years-of-age he has become a key player for the London outfit, putting in some fine displays since his £32 million move from Lille.

Game after game he is proving himself as a world class talent and this season he has gone from strength to strength. He is currently the Blues’ top scorer, as well as the club’s most creative player.

Following his side’s 2-1 win over Liverpool- in which the Belgian scored Chelsea’s equalizing goal – Hazard commented on his critics who had previously doubted his ability to get goals in big matches:

“I silenced those who said I only score against weaker opponents. That gives me pleasure. I try to score in every match.”

“I don’t set myself targets for the season, but my aim is to get goals and assists, and the most important thing is three points.

“In football, stats are really important. I score more goals now and I assist more.”

Obviously one goal in a single match is not enough to fully silence those criticising Hazard, but his performances of late will certainly help.

It is fair to say he had previously struggled when opposing the Premier League’s bigger teams and against the two Manchester clubs towards the beginning of the season, he made relatively little impact, creating just one chance in 180 minutes.

Manager Jose Mourinho dropped Hazard earlier in the season for a game, following an incident when he was forced to miss a training session after an ill-advised trip to France and since this point the Belgian international’s performances have dramatically improved.

Three wins and a draw over the festive period ensured Chelsea remain just two points adrift of league leaders, Arsenal, and Hazard is the man almost wholly responsible for this run of form.

Chelsea Top Performance Scorers Over Festive Period

The Belgian’s goals alone since November have been directly worth seven points. His 90th-minute penalty rescued a point against West Bromwich Albion, while a brace against Sunderland secured a 4-3 victory earlier this month, and his recent strike against Swansea was enough to claim a win.

Hazard has now netted eight times in the Premier League and he is, without doubt, the man making the greatest impact at Stamford Bridge this season.

Premier League Top Chance Creators (Excluding Assists)

With 49 key passes to his name, he is currently the most creative player in the Premier League and had Chelsea signed a more prolific striker during the summer window, he may have had the opportunity to improve on his assist total of five.

Against Liverpool, Hazard scored a superb goal and a fantastic performance inspired the Blues to a crucial victory over their fellow title contenders. The midfielder completed 81% of his passes, 50% of his attempted take ons and drew six fouls in a tightly contested encounter.

The Belgian’s energy made him a constant presence as his side came from behind to secure three points. In attack he proved a relentless threat and defensively he played a vital role in forcing Liverpool into uncharacteristic rash passes. His Performance Score of 34 points was an injustice to his overall display.

Ultimately, the best players perform at the most important moments and this is exactly what Eden Hazard is doing for Chelsea right now. His Christmas form has been inspirational and he has finally proved his true value to Mourinho’s side.

The club’s fans will be hoping he can produce these fantastic displays against bigger sides in the future. With Chelsea currently lacking an in-form front man, the London outfit is more reliant on his services than ever before.