Eden Hazard and Antonio Conte
Conte is hopeful of Hazard signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge Getty

KEY POINTS

  • Conte believes Hazard is yet to reach the peak of his career.
  • The Belgian was in sublime form in Chelsea's 3-1 win over Newcastle United.

While Antonio Conte is hopeful of Eden Hazard signing a new contract for Chelsea, he believes the Belgian star has room for improvement as he approaches the peak of his career.

Hazard was in sublime form as he scored twice to help the Blues defeat Newcastle United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (2 December).

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It means the 26-year-old has now played a part in 11 goals in his last 10 games in all competitions as his season tally currently stands at eight goals and five assists in 18 games.

With performances like that, interest from the likes of Real Madrid will only continue to grow, with Hazard recently revealing his admiration for the reigning La Liga and Champions League winners.

Conte, however, wants the former Lille star to extend his contract, currently running out in 2020, as he touched upon the future of both his and fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois.

"I will be very happy when they sign their deals," Conte told reporters via Goal. "They are great players who have a lot of space for improvement and it will be great to keep them."

The Italian manager also feels Hazard has not reached his peak yet. Adding that Hazard can further improve, Conte stated that a player is only at the pinnacle when they win certain trophies.

"But I don't think that Eden is at the peak of his career yet," Conte explained. "I think he has a lot of improvement [to make]."

"It's important for him to work, work, work in every training session to improve himself and then to have this kind of performance.

"You are only at the top when you win the Ballon d'Or the first time, when you win the Champions League or when you win the World Cup. At that moment, you are a great player."

Premier League Chelsea FC