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Chris Coleman reveals how Antonio Conte's new system is helping Eden Hazard
CHELSEA are getting the best out of Eden Hazard because they play three at the back, claims Wales manager Chris Coleman.
Chris Coleman (left) says Chelsea's formation suits Eden Hazard
Wales progressed to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 this summer with their unorthodox 3-4-3 formation.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is a long-time fan of the system but initially experimented with four defenders when he joined the Blues this summer.
That style was quickly scrapped as Conte instead moved to three at the back.
Hazard (left) has hit top form at Chelsea
Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 playing three in defence
This formation is set so that when Chelsea attack, they attack with five players
Chelsea are currently on a six-game run without conceding, while Eden Hazard is excelling playing off centre-forward Diego Costa.
And Coleman believes Conte has got his system spot on.
"We went with a more box formation (than Chelsea) with two no 10s, Bale and Ramsey, with two holding players where Chelsea have Kante and Matic," Coleman said on MNF.
"Eden Hazard, sometimes he plays wide left, sometimes he has to track back and do defensive duties.
"This formation is set so that when Chelsea attack, they attack with five players. Two wing backs, a striker and two no 10s.
"But they always have five behind the ball, so if they get countered they have the bodies to cover each other.
"Hazard gets more freedom. He doesn't play up against a centre-half, he can play where he wants to."