Chelsea vs QPR: Eden Hazard reveals it took just a week to click with Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas

Hazard believes the introduction of the Spanish international duo is the main reason why Chelsea are top of the league and unbeaten

Eden Hazard and Diego Costa celebrate for Chelsea (Getty Images)

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard claims it took him just a week to forge an understanding with Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa that has proven to be so successful this season.

Costa looks set to return for Saturday’s visit of Queens Park Rangers after missing the majority of October with a niggling hamstring injury which was aggravated on international duty. The Spaniard’s nine goals this season is a major reason why Chelsea have set the early pace, but Fabregas has also chipped in having already made 10 assists since arriving in the summer.

Hazard was Chelsea’s go-to player last season as they lacked a striker with the prowess in front of goal that Costa has demonstrated so far, but he told the Evening Standard that the Spanish international duo are the key reason why the Blues are unbeaten this season.

“The time it takes to develop a relationship on the pitch depends on the guy. Sometimes it’s quick, sometimes not. But it’s easy for me to play with them because they understand football and are very good players. We didn’t need to train two years together, just one week was enough. They know when I move and I know when Costa and Fabregas move. It’s a pleasure to play with them.

“I don’t know how much better this team can get — we will see. Now we are first in the table and I hope we can stay there until the end of the season. I hope we can win a lot of trophies this season, one, two or three. Why not?”

A whopping £62million was spent on Costa and Fabregas but they have proved their worth by helping Chelsea beat the kind of unfashionable sides they struggled against last term. Jose Mourinho’s men dropped points against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, West Ham, West Brom, Newcastle, Southampton and Norwich.

This season, only late equalisers by the two Manchester clubs have prevented Chelsea from recording a 100 per cent record.

Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas (Getty Images)

QPR coach Harry Redknapp knows all about Hazard having come very close to signing him for Tottenham in 2012. He missed out when Chelsea won the Champions League and were able to offer a much bigger salary, plus games in Europe’s premier club competition.

Hazard has had to cope with the expectation that comes with a £32m transfer fee ever since. Even though he has moved to a club that demands silverware every season, he is more than happy with his decision to move to west London.

He added: “I would never say I don’t feel pressure — pressure is always here at Chelsea. I know in football you can be one of the best and maybe two weeks later one of the worst. It’s why you can never say ‘I am the best’. It’s an education.

“That is why John Terry is very important, not just for me but for the young players. He is a legend here, but is a big brother to all the younger guys.

“It’s always good when I speak with him. He gives me a lot of confidence because he is the captain. We are happy to have this guy in the team.

“When I joined he just told me to enjoy myself on the pitch and try to score goals for Chelsea. For me everything is good here.”

Chelsea are also expected to welcome back midfielder Ramires after a groin problem but former QPR striker Loic Remy is still ruled out with the same type of injury.