Eden Hazard expects to enjoy playing with greater freedom and less pressure on his shoulders this season as Premier League leaders Chelsea demonstrate their strength in depth by challenging for four trophies, including the Champions League.
Hazard, who flickered without dazzling for Belgium at the World Cup finals, has been impressed by how quickly Chelsea's new arrivals have settled in at Stamford Bridge and praised Spain duo striker Diego Costa and midfielder Cesc Fabregas for their immediate impact.
"Last season, I scored a lot of goals and maybe this season I can make a lot more passes forward because Costa is one of the best and he can score," said Hazard. "It's my job to score, but it's also my job to make assists as well."
Hazard was Chelsea's leading scorer with 14 Premier League goals, including four penalties, last season, but Costa's arrival - with four goals in his first three outings - has changed the dynamic in Chelsea's attacking play, easing the pressure on the Belgian.
"The new players have settled in very good. I enjoy playing with the best players in the squad and I'm very happy," he was quoted telling Chelsea TV by the London Evening Standard. "We have a very competitive team and we want more than last season.
"Last season we played good but we didn't win any trophies so we want more. We can win four trophies and I hope we can compete in the two cups, the Premier League and Champions League for a long time throughout the year.
"Costa can score every game and Cesc is one of the best midfielders in the world. Cesc can score as well and make good assists."
Hazard also revealed that he has a close relationship with Spanish left-back Cesar Azpilicueta, who has kept new signing Brazilian Filipe Luis out of the team.
"I have Azpi behind me and he helps me when I attack or have to defend. Off the pitch, we are very close friends because he can speak French and understands everything.
"It is important for me to play with him because I know how he plays... I think he can reach the level of being one of the best right or left backs in the world."
Table-topping Chelsea, who impressed with a 6-3 win at Everton in their last outing, meet second-placed Swansea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday with both Hazard and Costa expected to recover from slight injuries and play.
Ramsey doubtful for Arsenal against City
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey could miss Arsenal's Premier League clash with champions Manchester City on Saturday after twisting his ankle on a pitch described by Wales team-mate Gareth Bale as "the worst I have ever played on."
Ramsey, who has scored in two of Arsenal's three Premier League games this season, limped off in the final minutes of Wales' 2-1 win in Andorra after two goals from Real Madrid's Bale had spared Welsh blushes on an artificial surface described by manager Chris Coleman as "not up to the standard for a UEFA qualifier."
Coleman said: "He got a kick and there was a twist in his ankle. It was coming to the end of the game and it was pointless taking a risk with him.
"Hopefully he'll be OK for Arsenal at the weekend, but we'll have to see what the next 24 to 48 hours hold."
Ramsey's bright form and ability to score decisive late goals would be sorely missed by Arsenal if he fails to recover in time for the lunchtime fixture.
Coleman and Bale were both very critical of the 3G pitch - an artificial surface featuring loose sprinklings of black rubber.
Bale told reporters: "It was by far the worst pitch I have ever played on. I can't describe how bad, bobbly and hard the pitch was to deal with."
Coleman said: "When we trained on it, my heart sunk.
"In my opinion the pitch is not up to the standard of a UEFA qualifier, but I don't won't want to make a protest because I want other teams to come here.
"I didn't want to say anything about the pitch before the game, but I can now and if you're a passing team, forget it."
Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
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