Conte Backs Hazard To Shine More

Antonio Conte, Chelsea manager has warned that playmaker Eden Hazard is yet to hit his peak at the Premier League club and backed the Belgian to become one of the best players in the world.

Hazard has been instrumental in Chelsea's success since joining the club in 2012, scoring twice in Chelsea's 3-1 league win over Newcastle United on Saturday to take his tally to eight goals and six assists in 18 matches across all competitions this season.

"I don't think that Eden is at the peak of his career yet. I think he has a lot of improvement (to make)," Conte told British media.

"It's important for him to work, work, work in every training session to improve himself and then to have this kind of performance.

"You are only at the top when you win the Ballon d'Or the first time, when you win the Champions League or when you win the World Cup. At that moment, you are a great player."

The Italian is keen for the 26-year-old Hazard and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to sign new contracts at Chelsea.