Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has leapt to the defence of his midfielder Eden Hazard after a less than impressive start to the season from the Belgian playmaker.
Summer signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have overshadowed Hazard in Chelsea's thrilling start to this campaign, which has helped to reignite suggestions that the 23-year-old Blues player of the year from last term could be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, amid renewed speculation of interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet Mourinho was quick to insist Hazard remains an integral part of his short and long term plans, even though he admitted the Blues No.10 was below his best in the 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.
"I don't know what he needs, but I know he needs to play more than he did [against Villa]," stated Mourinho.
"He started the season well. Eden played good matches with us. I think it's more an isolated not good performance in one game than a period.
"No dramas and I am not too much worried about it, but this [Villa match] was not his day, was not his performance."