[ad_pod ]

Since assuming the role as Chelsea’s first-team manager, Maurizio Sarri has introduced a unique approach to the club, both on and off the field. In the space of four months, he has transformed a team that was unapologetically counter-attacking, into a side that seeks to dictate possession, with notable emphasis placed on pressing opponents.

Before Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur the Blues had been undefeated in 18 games. With that in mind, one could argue that Sarri has been somewhat successful in adapting to life in the Premier League, as Chelsea continue to accustom themselves to his highly-technical brand of football.

Similarly, off the field, he has mostly dismissed transfer talk as an irrelevance, sighting that his responsibility is to improve the players that he has at his disposal. While there is some admiration to be had in the words of a manager who prides himself on his coaching aptitude – several Napoli players can attest to the progression that Sarri’s management evokes. Ultimately, a club of Chelsea’s stature and historical influence in the transfer market will continue to purchase players.

One area that the west London outfit should consider reinforcing is their attacking options. Eden Hazard is undoubtedly the Blues’ main attacking force, and his place in the starting XI is practically certain. However, there has been considerable rotation between Willian and Pedro, who are 30 and 31 respectively.

Willian has assumed the primary role over the past couple of months, but in 13 league games he has only scored two goals, registering three assists. By contrast, in 11 league games, Pedro has scored four goals and provided one assist. This isn’t to insinuate that their pair’s goal involvement has been inadequate. However, they’re a considerable distance from matching Hazard’s return of seven goals and four assists in 12 league games.

Furthermore, while considering that the pair are approaching the latter stages of their careers, perhaps it’s time for the Blues to resort to the transfer market, to bolster their attacking line. Ideally, several supporters would be thrilled to see the inclusion of Callum Hudson-Odoi in the team. However, Sarri has been fairly reluctant to use the winger this term, and with his contract expiring at the end of next season rumours are circulating that he could choose the same path as Jadon Sancho by moving abroad.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas which Arsenal players would get into the Tottenham team ahead of the North London Derby - Check out the video below...

As a result, Chelsea should look towards the January transfer window to augment the quality of the squad, and a move for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s winger, Thorgan Hazard – the younger brother of Eden – would be an astute addition.

During his spell with the Blues, Thorgan failed to make a single appearance, but since moving to the German side (initially on loan), the Belgian has progressed from strength to strength. Over the past couple of seasons, the winger has begun to display the true extent of his creative qualities. During the 2016/17 season, Hazard contributed towards 19 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions (scoring 11 and registering eight assists). Last season, he went one better having scored 11 goals and provided nine assists.

These numbers are a useful indicator of the talent that Hazard possesses, and the 25-year-old has been in inspired form once again, this campaign. In 12 Bundesliga games, he has scored eight goals and provided five assists, and if you account for all competitions, he has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists.

Without question, Chelsea’s creative output is quite dependent on Eden Hazard, and the presence of another skilful attacker, in the form of his brother, could help alleviate the pressure that the 27-year-old currently shoulders. Similarly, the attacker's immediate future at Chelsea remains blurred, and the presence of his brother could incentivise him to remain at the club for more than one reason. Thorgan has stated that he believes Chelsea could purchase him with relative ease. Accordingly, the Blues should seriously contemplate a January move for Thorgan Hazard.

What are your thoughts? Let us know!