Jose Mourinho heaps praise on Chelsea star Eden Hazard amid exit rumours

Belgium’s Eden Hazard

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has praised winger Eden Hazard, telling the club’s website that the Belgium international – currently with his national side at the World Cup – brings moments of magic and beauty to the club and has the ability to win a match in one action.

A lot was made of Mourinho’s relationship with Hazard last season, with the Portuguese boss questioning his player’s work ethic and willingness to track back. Add the defensive approach of Mourinho’s team, potentially at odds with a flair player such as Hazard, as well as speculation linking Hazard with a move to Paris Saint Germain and it is easy to see why questions continue to be posed over the Belgian’s future.

However, Mourinho talked up the importance of Hazard, praising the “beauty” and “magic moments” that he brings to the side.

“I understand this beauty and these magic moments he [Hazard] brings to the game are what the fans enjoy the most,” Mourinho told the club’s website.

“Obviously the fans enjoy and respect people like Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry – people that are so stable during the season and do an incredible job for the team – but people like Eden bring the magic and win matches in one action. They have the flair and the artist’s touch of the football.”

Hazard was Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League last season, with 14 goals, and also created more chances than any other player in the division, 92. He’s also 6/1 to score first with Ladbrokes tonight if you do fancy a flutter

Chelsea finished third in the league, but have been active in their summer recruitment drive, prompting Mourinho to promise that they will be better next season.

“Next season will be very, very difficult, even more so. I know Chelsea will be better, but maybe the other teams will be better too, so it will again be the kind of league where you don’t know if you’re going to finish first or finish sixth.”