Hazard has enjoyed huge success since moving to Stamford Bridge playing predominantly as a left winger, but there have also been occasions when he has been asked to play on the opposite flank or in a more central role just off the main striker, including memorably on his debut at Wigan in 2012 when he was instrumental in a 2-0 victory.

When given the task of leading the line in recent weeks he has met the challenge head on and, in terms of his responsibilities and objectives very little has changed, according to the player himself.

‘I prefer to play on the left wing but if I have to play up front, why not?’ he says. ‘It just means I need to come a bit deeper to get the ball at my feet but I enjoy it.

‘It’s the same, my job is always to try to make the difference. When I play as a striker it’s important for me to get into the box when crosses come in and try to get across to the front post.’

The year 2015 was a tale of two parts for the Blues, with the wonderfully successful first half preceding a far more disappointing, not to mention unexpected, second.

Having now gone three matches without defeat, the side will attempt to get 2016 off to the best possible start when we play our first game of the New Year at Crystal Palace tomorrow.

‘It’s a tough place to go, we won there last season but it’s always difficult,’ Hazard says. ‘It’s a London derby and it will be a good game for us to win.

‘We know they have good players; they defend very well and they can play on the counter attack and keep the ball well. We just need to be fully concentrated and hopefully we can win the game.

‘If I can score my first goal of the season it would be very good but obviously the most important thing for us is to win the game.’

One man who will not be lining up against us tomorrow is the suspended Yohan Cabaye, who played alongside Hazard at Lille. The Frenchman has been one of the Eagles’ most influential performers this campaign, which has come as no surprise to his former team-mate.

‘He’s a fantastic player; he can control the midfield on his own, he can take free-kicks and he’s a good passer of the ball,’ explains Hazard.

‘He can really make a difference. It’s unfortunate for them he’s not available but very good for us. It’s not just Cabaye, though, they have a lot of quality.’

Any match between the two teams is sure to bring back fond memories for Hazard after he scored the goal against Palace which secured the Premier League title last May. That fixture was one of 54 matches we played during 2015 in all competitions and Hazard, along with Willian, featured in all but three, the highest number within the squad.