Chelsea news: Tony Cascarino explains why Blues star Eden Hazard has struggled this season

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino claims Eden Hazard's continuous struggle this term is down to the player's lack of desire as he has been caught up in last season's success. The Blues went on to win the league under Jose Mourinho in the 2014/15 campaign and the attacker was the star player for his side, which saw him bag the PFA Player of the Year award.

Since the start of the current season, the Belgium international has failed to replicate last term's form, as he has failed to score a goal in the Premier League and has only two assists to his name. Chelsea have also failed to live up to their expectations as they sit in the second half of the table.

The west London club's poor run saw their owner Roman Abramovich sack Jose Mourinho and replace him with Guus Hiddink. Hazard has been publicly speaking about his potential interest in playing for the European giants in the future and Cascarino advised the 25-year-old to do more talking on the pitch than off the field.

"I think he has been caught up in the season he had. He was exceptional. They gave him a new five-year deal," Sky Sports quoted Cascarino as saying.

"Real Madrid were chasing him down. Zinedine Zidane has made it openly clear that he loves him as a player. I think he has had his head turned and he has not quite put in the shifts that are required — even when you are a great player.

"It is strange. He is doing far more talking off the pitch than on it. Everyone knows how good Eden Hazard can be. This year it hasn't happened. He has not had the desire. He looks like he has not enjoyed this year. Last year, he had a smile on his face nearly all year," he added.