Chelsea: Eden Hazard says he is being played out of position by Antonio Conte

The Belgium international would prefer to operate as a no 10 rather than on the left-wing

Conte has deployed Hazard on the left-wing (Getty)

Eden Hazard has suggested that Antonio Conte is playing him out of position and that he would prefer to be deployed in the no 10 role.

The Chelsea winger has made an erratic start to the season having endured a miserable spell of form last term, which saw him go on a 30-game goal drought.

Hazard has predominantly played on the left-wing since Conte’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in the summer, but the Belgium international believes he would perform better in the centre, where he operates for his country.

“I like to play as a no 10,” he said. “I think I have more freedom offensively. For Belgium, we have full-backs who run hard and create a lot of pace, which is good and I like to play there.

“I don’t know if I will play there at Chelsea. You need to ask the manager! I play on the left hand side and I try to do the best I can.

“Sometimes at Chelsea we don't play with system with a No. 10, too,” Hazard noted.

“I don't think Chelsea wants to change just for me [to play] as a 10. I did well in the past as a left winger and for now, I am trying to get back to that best again.”

I like to play as a no 10. I think I have more freedom offensively.

&#13; <p>Eden Hazard</p>&#13;

Hazard was named Player of the Year by both the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Writers’ Association in 2014/15, yet has struggled to reach those heights since.

The 25-year-old has scored just two Premier League goals so far this season, but found the net in both of Belgium’s recent World Cup qualifying victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Gibraltar.

Chelsea face champions Leicester City in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.