It didn’t take long for Eden Hazard to become one of the best players in the Premier League; just three years, in fact.

The Belgium international made the team of the season in 2012-2013, won the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2013-2014, and finally scooped up the PFA Player of the Year last term.

So if his progress is anything to go by, Hazard should be surpassing his performances from last season this term. Coincidently, the attacker scored the same number of goals and assists in 2013-2014, but last term he beat his Fantasy Football points total by 31.

That’s because the 24-year-old garnered 42 bonus points during the Blues’ title-winning campaign, with his ability to complete a ‘Successful Dribble’ and supply “Key Passes” pushing him at the higher end of the Bonus Point System (BPS).

Crucially, Hazard’s consistent involvement in Chelsea’s goals is a huge factor in his prospects as a Fantasy asset.

Scoring 14 and providing 10 assists, Hazard is guaranteed to be involved in most of the Blues’ attacking plans as they attempt to defend their title. Last season he had more key passes (100) than any other player, more touches (1808) and passes received (1167) in the final third, and the most successful dribbles (180).

However, it is his set-piece duties that make him almost indispensable. Hazard is Mourinho’s number-one penalty taker and takes his fair share of free-kicks and corners. Chelsea are likely to be in their opposition’s half during most games, with Hazard himself drawing plenty of dead-ball situations – the Belgian was the most fouled player in the Premier League last term.

So is the 11.5 price tag for Hazard worth it? Totally.

Chelsea have a decent run of opening fixtures (Swansea, Man City, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Everton) and Hazard is a certain starter compared to the Blues’ other goal-scoring asset Diego Costa (11.0), who is once again suffering from a hamstring problem.

Hazard’s only downfall is that he will undoubtedly be the highest owned player across the Fantasy games.

However, if you’re looking for a differential, look somewhere else, because if your squad doesn’t have last season’s PFA Player of the Year, you’re opening yourself up for early misery.

Written by Football FanCast and commissioned by Fantasy Football Scout, the tips, news and views site for those who don’t just play Fantasy Football.