After scooping the PFA Player of the Year award as Chelsea won the Premier League title in 2014-15, Hazard’s form dipped dramatically amid the team’s struggles and Jose Mourinho’s departure last season, but the Belgian star appears to have returned to his brilliant best.
Hazard scored twice in Chelsea’s 5-0 rout of Everton on Saturday, taking his Premier League tally to seven goals in 11 matches this term, having only netted four times in 2015-16.
And as he enjoys more freedom under Conte, the 25-year-old is targeting the world’s most prestigious individual award.
“Last season I was not good, so for me it was normal that I was not on the list,” Hazard said.
“But I want to come back on the list, and give everything to be on the list, not to be in the top 23 but to be in the top five.
“Yes, I want to reach that level.”
He added: “Last season was difficult for me. I tried to be the same player that I was two years ago.
“But now I am trying to play like when I was a kid. I am enjoying playing now, my position is a bit different from before, I go inside more. It gives me more freedom, and I’m good for the moment.
“Conte has not change a lot, it is just that I have a little bit more freedom when we have the ball and without the ball.
“Because I don’t need to defend against the right back, because Marcos Alonso is there. I just focus on staying in my position. And when I have the ball I have more freedom and I can go where I want to go, and be decisive.”
