Chelsea News: Eden Hazard can reach his true potential under Maurizio Sarri, claims Gianfranco Zola

Gianfranco Zola believes Eden Hazard can fulfil his true potential at Chelsea under head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Zola returned to Chelsea as Sarri's assistant, 15 years after ending a glorious playing spell at Stamford Bridge, and says his fellow Italian has opened his eyes to a "new world" of football.

Hazard has been deployed in a more advanced position under Sarri, devoid of defensive responsibility, and has scored five goals in four Premier League starts this season.

Zola is convinced the Belgium playmaker, who hinted at a desire to join Real Madrid after the World Cup in a move which did not materialise, can get better and better.

"I don't think, in my opinion, he's reached his full potential," said Zola, speaking ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie at Liverpool.

Zola has high expectations of Hazard

"I believe he can use his skills in a better way. I truly believe in this.

"I think this year, the team, Maurizio in particular, will help him to reach his full potential."

Experience will help Hazard, says Zola, who played in a similar role at Chelsea as the 27-year-old does now. It is a role Zola would have enjoyed.

The 52-year-old Italian added: "The way we try to play will benefit him a lot. We try to play (for) a long time in the opposition half.

"The closer we keep him to the goal, the more balls we can get him to receive the ball around the box, the more effective he can be.

"So far we play the majority of the games so far in the opposition's half.

"You get a lot of touches of the ball, especially our strikers, in the last 20 metres, which is where a striker with my qualities would have enjoyed it very much."

Sarri and Zola are preparing for a double-header against Liverpool

Hazard was excused last week's Europa League trip to PAOK in Greece after twice telling Sarri he was tired. But Zola hinted Hazard would feature at Anfield.

"It looks like the more he plays the better he gets," Zola added.