Chelsea winger Eden Hazard needs games to find rhythm, says Guus Hiddink
Monday 1 February 2016 07:22, UK
Guus Hiddink believes Eden Hazard needs playing time to find his groove after the Chelsea winger scored his first goal of the season against MK Dons.
The Blues produced an impressive performance to progress to the FA Cup fifth round, where they will face Manchester City, after a 5-1 win over Championship opposition at stadiummk. Oscar's first-half hat-trick put Chelsea on their way, before Hazard and Bertrand Traore added two more after the break.
The Belgian's penalty was his first goal for Chelsea in 29 games - and his first in any match since his strike on international duty against France on June 7 - and Hiddink believes the reigning PFA Players' Player of the Year is starting to find his way.
"It was okay for him because he's had a difficult time with injuries," Hiddink told the club's website. "We have a hierarchy of penalty takers, with Oscar first, but they gave it to him and it's good he scored.
"He's coming back now after a long absence and he needs the rhythm of these games. He played more than an hour and it's important for the upcoming multitude of matches.
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"We must not depend on the production and delivery of just Diego Costa. The others have to produce as well, which they can, we emphasise that in training by doing exercises where they have to penetrate. We don't just want to be depending on Costa."
New signings Alexandre Pato and Matt Miazga both missed out on the squad after training with their new team-mates for the first time on Saturday, and Hiddink confirmed he does not expect any other business before Monday's transfer deadline.
"'There are still a few hours to go, but I don't think so," said Hiddink. "Pato trained once with us, a very light practice, but I want him to integrate as much as possible, as with Miazga."
"They worked today on their physical condition and we'll try to build the two of them up as soon as possible. They were here, they practiced at Cobham this morning and then came here by car."
MK Dons struggled to live with their opponents, but did get back into the game thanks to Darren Potter's deflected strike shortly after Oscar's opener.
They were not level for long, though, as the Brazil international struck two more before half-time and Dons manager Karl Robinson paid tribute to Chelsea's quality after the game.
"They were outstanding," said Robinson. "They showed tremendous class here today with their ball speed, work ethic and pressing.
"You forget they were the best players in the Premier League last season. When you sit back and reflect, they were outstanding. They have the ability to rip you apart on any given day and that's what they did."