Chelsea's Eden Hazard can be as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, says Antonio Conte

Back to his best: Hazard looked inspired in the final weeks of last season
BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images
James Benge17 July 2016

Antonio Conte believes he is the one to transform the likes of Eden Hazard into world-class performers during his time in charge of Chelsea.

Hazard was named Player of the Year in 2015 after a season of outstanding guided Chelsea to the Premier League title, but his form declined last term as Jose Mourinho lost his job midway through a dismal defence of their crown.

Having shown glimpses of returning to his best at the back end of last season, and for Belgium during Euro 2016, Conte is hoping Hazard will improve into one of the world's best.

"Last season was very bad for the players," Conte said. "It is incredible that Chelsea finished 10th.

In pictures: Antonio Conte's first Chelsea game

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"When you have great players in a team with great character, and Hazard is one of them, the expectation can be very high. It is important for us to get Hazard back to his best condition, technically, physically and mentally. I spoke with him and I am very happy to train a fantastic player like him.

"Chelsea have players with great talent, who can become top, top, top players.

"At the moment the world doesn't think they're at the same level as (Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo or Neymar. But there are players that can reach this level, I'm sure.

"The players must believe that they can become top, top, top. It is important for the manager to take the best and try to improve them."

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