Chelsea boss Sarri salutes Hazard after hat-trick heroics

Blues boss hails hat-trick hero as 'very special' after thumping Cardiff

Maurizio Sarri hailed Eden Hazard as "very special" after the Belgian's hat-trick inspired Chelsea to a crushing 4-1 win over Cardiff on Saturday

The Blues boss was full of praise for his star man, who took his tally for the season to 16 with a clinical display at Stamford Bridge.

"He played a very good match," Sarri said. "He scored three goals, but I think he could have scored five or six. He had a lot of opportunities.

"He's very special. He's able to play in every position in the attacking line. He can play like a winger, like a second striker, like a striker. He's very important for us."

Hazard opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 26th minute, before doubling his tally just before the break.

The Belgian completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute to put the game beyond Cardiff, who had pulled one back through Victor Camarasa.

Willian added a fourth for Chelsea in the 83rd minute to seal a comfortable win.

Sarri was delighted with the performance of his team, who moved up to fourth in the Premier League table with the victory.

"I'm very happy with the result and the performance," he said. "We played very well for 70 minutes. We moved the ball very well, we created a lot of opportunities, and we scored four goals."

"We need to improve in the last 20 minutes, because we conceded a goal and we lost a bit of control of the match. But overall, I'm very happy."

Hazard was equally pleased with the performance, and he admitted that he was enjoying playing under Sarri.

"I'm very happy," he said. "I think we played a very good game. We created a lot of chances, and we scored four goals.

"I'm enjoying playing under Sarri. He's a very good coach, and he's helping me to improve my game."

Chelsea will be looking to continue their good form when they travel to Brighton in the Premier League on Wednesday.

This was beyond my wildest dreams playing as much as I have for Chelsea - Hazard

Eden Hazard has admitted that he is living out his dream by playing for Chelsea.

The Belgian has been in sensational form for the Blues this season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

And he has now revealed that he never thought he would play as much as he has for Chelsea.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "I never thought I would play as much as I have for Chelsea.

"When I first came here, I was just a young boy. I didn't know if I would be good enough to play for this club.

"But I've worked hard, and I've been given the chance to play. I'm very grateful to the manager and the fans for their support."