Do you think anyone at Chelsea really thought about how they were going to use the Belgium born 21 year old attacking midfielder/winger when they bought him. I wonder if the Barcelona obsession is finally getting to Roman Abramovich. The prospect of buying an incredibly talented and technical 5’7″ player was just too tempting for him one suspects. Personally after seeing Chelsea play, in the Champions league especially, this season, I think they got it right last summer when they wanted to buy Luka Modric. Or anyone of similar style whose speciality isn’t to give the ball back to the opposition as soon as Chelsea have won it.
However, you cant argue with last seasons haul of 20 goals and 15 assists in 38 games in the French league for Lille as well as the player of the season for the second year running. Those are the stats that get us fantasy football managers excited. I imagine Chelsea are planning on using him on the right with 3 up front with Mata on the left and Torres in the centre. Now Torres should reduce his assist total for the season! That does beg the question of what happens to Daniel Sturridge or how they deploy the Hulk assuming he eventually arrives. However, the potential of playing in the front 3 , Torres or not, does mean there is a fair prospect of a strong points haul in fantasy football for Hazard.
There’s no doubting his quality in finishing and dribbling. Last years haul was quite astonishing even allowing for the quality of the league. The year before though was not quite so convincing with 7 goals and 10 assists in 38 goals. His European stats aren’t anything like as convincing though with 1 assist in the last 2 years from 13 games.
My view then is we need to see him in a few friendlies to see how he is planning on being used by De Matteo. This should give an early view of his prospects in fantasy football. He does have a distinct advantage of rest, not having been part of Euro 2012, which should make him less of a rotation target. However, the Chelsea midfield haven’t been too affected by Euro 2012 with Lampard at home through injury and Mata only warming the bench to date. This may negate that advantage.
There’s also the adjustment to the premier league which has affected some midfield signings, even David Silva took some time although Van der Vaart and Mata adjusted fairly quickly.
I’ve therefore firmly got him in the monitor box although I have to say he will have to do a fair bit to get in to my fantasy football starting lineup as a new player to the league. However, Chelsea’s fixtures are among the easiest to start with and there are some pretty enticing home games early on so its definitely possible.
