Photo: Jason Cairnduff/Reuters

Eden Hazard has been in amazing form this season, and to say he’s back to his best might even be an understatement as he’s even looking better than two seasons ago.

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve Nicol believes Hazard’s form is down to the way Antonio Conte has handled him. He revealed that Conte has given Hazard “tender love and care”, something Jose Mourinho was unwilling to do.

Speaking on ESPN, Nicol said: “It’s called TLC – a bit of tender love and care.

“From the very start Conte tells the Chelsea fans: “This is the guy I’m pinning my hat on.” Eden Hazard takes a big breath of air and says: ‘I love this guy.’

“It’s mind games. Mourinho criticised Eden Hazard for not doing his defensive duties. Eden Hazard is the type of player that you take that responsibility off.

“You want Eden Hazard to be doing what Conte’s got him doing now – go forward, create chances and score goals. And that’s it.”