Morata hails Hazard quality after momentous Madrid win for Chelsea

28 September 2017 22:29

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata says it is easy to play with Eden Hazard.

Morata headed in Hazard’s cross and Michy Batshuayi scored a last-gasp winner as the Blues won 2-1 away to Atletico Madrid in Champions League Group C on Wednesday night.

Former Real Madrid striker Morata now has seven goals in eight Chelsea games since moving to Stamford Bridge as a direct replacement for Diego Costa, who watched on from the stands after rejoining Atletico this week.

Morata has adapted quickly to Chelsea, playing with Hazard and playing in the Premier League.

The Spain striker said: “It’s not difficult playing with this kind of player. He’s one of the three best players in the world. It’s easy for me playing with him.”

Morata reflected on a difficult start with Chelsea, as he saw a penalty saved in the Community Shield shoot-out loss to Arsenal.

“The first official match I made a mistake and I suffered for a few days,” he said.

But after being a peripheral figure at Real Madrid and Juventus, he is now relishing the responsibility of being the first-choice forward for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.

He added: “I came to Chelsea because one club and one coach believed in me. I’m very happy.”

Chelsea next play Manchester City on Saturday. Head coach Conte complained about the proximity of the fixture, saying Chelsea were “penalised” as City played 24 hours earlier and beat Shakhtar Donetsk at home.

“(It is) another big match,” Morata said. “It’s very important for us before the international break to take the three points.”

Hazard was making his second start of the season following his broken ankle – the first was in the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest – and dazzled at times. He is now expected to make his first Premier League start of the season, after three substitute appearances, against Manchester City.

Hazard reckons Chelsea’s win at Atletico was their best European performance in his five years at Stamford Bridge.

Asked if the performance was the Blues’ best of the season, Hazard told Chelsea TV: “Yes, in Champions League also. Since I came here it’s the first time we’ve beaten a really good, really strong team in the Champions League.”

The Belgium playmaker is reportedly in negotiations to extend his Chelsea contract and receive a pay rise to become the highest-paid player in the Premier League on £300,000 per week. Hazard’s current deal, which expires in 2020, was signed in February 2015.

Source: By PA Sport Staff