Former Premier League defender Danny Higginbotham believes Eden Hazard could be deployed as a ‘False 9’ under Maurizio Sarri, as per the Express.
The Sky Sports pundit gave the example of Dries Mertens at Napoli and claimed Chelsea could see a couple of other players taking up the same role.
Higginbotham was quoted by the Express as saying:
“I personally think that he will end up playing as the No 9, I really do. When I look at Sarri and his time at Napoli and what he did with Mertens, I think he will end up playing near enough as a false No 9.
“That’s my own honest opinion, possibly with Pedro and Willian, so all three of them can get in.”
Higginbotham claimed that ‘Sarri-ball’ is similar to ‘tiki-taka’ but the movement in the final third is quicker. The former Stoke City defender added that Hazard could do well in the ‘False 9’ role.
Chelsea’s attack has been decent this season but we are still getting to grips of playing under Sarri, something the former Stoke player touched upon.
“But they are a team that are adjusting from a three to a four at the back. But there are some great players and the midfield is a key area as well.”
Hazard came off the bench to help us beat Arsenal 3-2. The Belgian could be in line to start our next clash against Newcastle and it will be interesting to see which position he takes up in the starting XI.