Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho expects Eden Hazard to be even better next season.
The Belgian winger won the PFA Player and Young of the Year double last term as Chelsea clinched their first Premier League title in five years and lifted the Capital One Cup.
He scored 14 goals and contributed 10 assists in the top flight, but Mourinho feels that the 24-year-old can still improve and will show that in the Champions League this campaign.
“To repeat the awards, I believe he has got to get better, because the normal tendency is for people to find another star,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Express. “People find somebody new to get these individual trophies. But he has all the conditions to improve. With his age he can improve.
“I talk to all of them (the squad). Medical department too. I told them. You have to be better. Two years ago we reached the CL semi-final but he didn’t play. He didn’t play in Madrid, he played injured at home. So he arrived in that crucial moment not in condition.
“Last year we didn’t do well and we were out immediately so he also needs a good Champions League. I’m not saying winning but I say a proper Champions League. But no matter, he is fantastic.
“He’s getting stronger and stronger, not just in his body, but in his attitude. He’s mentally tough. He’s not the kind of boy who overreacts. After a bad tackle he never rolls and rolls like other players do. He doesn’t try and push referees to make certain decisions. Eden is not this guy. He’s loyal and honest, and gets lots of respect from opponents because of that.”
Hazard has a combined tally of 96 goals and assists in 163 matches since joining Chelsea from Lille for £24m in 2012.
SEE MORE:
Memphis Depay squad number: Man United to give new signing ‘Ronaldo shirt’ once £45.9m sale is done
Video: Arsenal 6-0 Lyon – Oxlade-Chamberlain scores fine goal as Gunners earn 9 points in Emirates Cup
Celebrity football fans: PORNSTAR Man Utd lover, ROYAL Arsenal supporter & Chelsea-mad ACTOR in top 10
COMMENTS