Chelsea news: Eden Hazard more dangerous than ever before – BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks

That’s the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks in the wake of the Belgian’s impressive performance in the Blues’ 4-0 win over West Brom.

Hazard started the Premier League showdown at the Hawthorns just off Alvaro Morata in Antonio Conte’s new-look 3-5-2 system.

And he proved to be the Baggies’ tormentor, popping up with two goals to help put the visitors out of sight and providing an assist.

Hazard’s form is starting to come close to that which he showed as Chelsea won the Premier League title last season.

Crooks has suggested the 26-year-old has already surpassed those levels though.

“Eden Hazard was electric throughout this encounter,” Crooks told BBC Sport.

“I never saw Hazard as a second striker but that is the way he is playing at the moment. I do not think he has ever looked so dangerous.

“He is certainly looking extremely effective alongside Alvaro Morata. I saw the beginnings of this partnership against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge recently but did not make too much of it as I thought it just happened by stealth.

“However, having seen it again against West Brom, I am beginning to take the view that both players are looking for each other quite openly.

“I have already remarked this season about the impact on Chelsea losing a player like Diego Costa.

“However, manager Antonio Conte may have been forced to find a new system to accommodate Morata and found two strikers at the expense of one. It looks like it is working.”

Next up for Chelsea is tomorrow’s Champions League showdown with Qarabag in Azerbaijan (5pm).