It's safe to say this has been the worst season of Eden Hazard's career. The 25-year-old is used to being one of, if not the best, players on the pitch whenever he steps on it. However, for the majority of this season he's been an afterthought. The punchline to opposing supporter's jokes. The dreaded internet meme.
Against Spurs something changed. We got a glimpse of the old Eden Hazard on Monday night. Perhaps it was all the drama of the title race and Chelsea's opportunity to play a huge role in it that motivated him. Or maybe he's just finally back to full fitness. We may never know why Hazard has struggled mightily this season. What we do know is that Monday's performance is what we need to see more of if the Belgian is to continue on at Stamford Bridge next season.
ChelseaTV's Pat Nevin analyzes Hazard's resurgent performance in the video above and makes some great points about direct play. This season it seemed as if he was very passive in his movements, always waiting for the ball to come to him. On Monday he took the match by the horns and it showed as soon as he came in.
More of that please, Eden.