Eden Hazard has started the season exceptionally well
The Belgian forward has scored six Premier League goals already this season, averaging just 72 minutes per goal. He is on course for his most prolific season since joining Chelsea, but manager Maurizio Sarri is still demanding more from the "genius".
Sarri believes Hazard can become the best player in the world, if he adds more intensity to his training. A bold claim, but not that outlandish when you consider that Hazard is still only 27 years old, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are now both in their 30s.
Hazard was called upon in Chelsea's hour of need on Wednesday night, when the blues trailed Liverpool by a goal to nil in the EFL Cup. The substitution made all the difference, as Chelsea went on to turn the scoreline around and win the game 2-1, with the winner coming from Hazard's spectacular solo goal.
After Hazard's match winner, Sarri praised his performance, but demanded even more from the player Chelsea have grown so reliant on.
"I think that he is for sure one of the best (players in the world), but I am absolutely convinced that he can improve,"
said Sarri.
"If he's able to improve during training maybe he will be able to use and serve at 100 per cent.
"Because I think that we have seen only 75, 80 per cent of his potential.
"So I think that if he's able to improve he will be the best in the world."
Asked if Hazard could be voted the best player in the world in a year's time, Sarri continued: "I think so, I think so.
"It's very difficult to compare him with other players. He's a genius. He's unique.
"He's a genius, technically I think he's the best. And so I want him to be the best in the world. More continuity from the physical point of view, from the mental point of view.
"Because he has the opportunity to improve more, and he can become the best player in the world. It's a very interesting challenge I think.
"He has a lot to give, to the team, to the staff. And I want everything."
