Eden Hazard was Chelsea’s best player last season by some distance. He dragged the Blues to several victories, both domestically and in Europe, and his transfer to Real Madrid was always going to have a big impact on the side.
However, the early season form of Lampard’s young side softened the blow of losing the talisman and made some fans forget all about the Belgian. Chelsea’s faltering form in recent weeks has been down to a leaky defence, and also a misfiring attack.
Hazard bailed Chelsea out on a significant number of occasions last season and without him, the season would have come to a very different conclusion.
Not only would his direct impact in terms of goals and assists aid the Chelsea side, but the constant threat he posed led to several opposition defenders focusing on him. This created space for other members of the attack and indirectly led to many goals.
If you look at the Chelsea side without Hazard, you could argue that it lacks a star-figure. A player who, when the going gets tough, can take a game by the scruff of the neck and earn his team the three points.
It is harsh to be too critical of a team full of players in their maiden Premier League seasons. The likes of Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham have impressive records so far but will need to do more if they are to be considered as crucial as the former Chelsea man.
January presents the club with the opportunity to finally replace Hazard. It will need to be a big addition, but a player like Jadon Sancho could bring the ‘wow’ factor that this Chelsea side miss at times.
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