Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: 'Eden Hazard can play up front'

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has suggested that he may play Eden Hazard as a forward this season.

The Belgium international has played on the wing and through the middle for Chelsea since his arrival from Lille in 2012.

Conte, though, believes that Hazard can make an impact as a striker, but has stressed that the 25-year-old needs to improve his physical shape.

"I like him in this position, like a forward," The Mirror quotes Conte as saying. "It can be a good solution for us. He can play as a winger, but also he can play as the second forward.

"He must improve his shape but he is working hard and his shape can improve a lot, the same as the other players."

Hazard scored two goals in a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid after coming off the bench to make his first appearance under Conte.