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Chelsea FC’s Predicted Starting Lineup 2016/2017

By Tyler Strauss

(Top L-R) Chelsea's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma, Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's English defender John Terry and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (bottom L-R) Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman, Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian pose before a UEFA Chamions league group stage football match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge stadium in west London on November 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
(Top L-R) Chelsea's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma, Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's English defender John Terry and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (bottom L-R) Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman, Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian pose before a UEFA Chamions league group stage football match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge stadium in west London on November 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard (10) controls the ball in the first half against USA during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard (10) controls the ball in the first half against USA during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Eden Hazard

Perhaps what we think we know about Eden Hazard is all wrong. Maybe his father is correct about him. I believe he is. He’s hasn’t been utilized properly at Chelsea.

However, not only do I think the Blues forced him to play despite his injuries. I also think they’ve played him in the wrong position. Where is the Belgian most effective?

When he comes inside, Hazard is at his best. If he’s free to roam and receive the ball and create, he is more effective. Playing at centre forward role, behind the striker, the 25-year-old will have no responsibility to defend. He can roam and create wherever he sees fit. He’ll have a link-up with the striker, but also with the midfield of Willian and Fabregas.

If the Belgian is allowed to play in this role, I guarantee he’ll flourish. What makes him so talented is his 1-on-1 attacking, coupled with his change of pace and ability to pick out incisive passes. He has all the makings of a quality centre forward.

He can receive the ball from wherever he creates space. Then he can take on defenders, with the goal of picking out runners or even creating an opportunity for himself to shoot. This will help increase his goal and assist tally for the season. I think if Conte plays Hazard in this role, we’ll see why many tipped the young Belgian to be one of the world’s best just one season ago.

Next: Striker

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