Hazard leaves mark on bosses

Roberto Di Matteo has backed Eden Hazard to get even better for Chelsea following the £32 million (€40m) man’s stunning Barclays Premier League debut.

Hazard made a dream start to life in England’s top flight during Sunday’s opening 2-0 win at Wigan, claiming two assists inside the opening seven minutes at the DW Stadium.

And Blues fans tonight will relish the 21-year-old’s home debut when Reading visit Stamford Bridge.

Reflecting on Hazard’s performance on Sunday, manager Di Matteo said: “He left his mark on the game.

“In pre-season, he showed that kind of quality in training. Now, in the Premier League, hopefully there’s more to come from him.”

Reading boss Brian McDermott has revealed he first saw Hazard play five years ago when he was coming through the ranks at Lille and he knew then the midfielder would turn in to a superstar.

The Reading boss, then employed as the club’s chief scout, was startled by the player’s skills.

“I remember watching him. He was 16 and I thought he was a great talent then. He was phenomenal and everyone there knew at 16 what a talent he was going to be. He stood out like the proverbial sore thumb.”

It is just as well Hazard looks like settling in so quickly, with Oscar having only arrived last week and fellow Chelsea new boy Marko Marin sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Di Matteo insisted there is “no news” when quizzed about suggestions Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta is poised to complete a protracted move from Marseille.

Tonight’s fixture was brought forward due to Chelsea’s involvement in the Uefa Super Cup a week on Friday and the scheduling gives the European champions a chance to steal a march on their Premier League title rivals.

“It’s probably better to play this game before rather than being a game behind,” said Di Matteo.

Reading, meanwhile marked their return to the Premier League on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Stoke with Royals midfielder Mikele Leigertwood insisting the underdogs will go on the attack in west London.

“You can’t go in to any games fearing teams or sitting back. You have to attack and put teams under pressure and I’m sure we’ll do that,” Leigertwood said. “We have pace in the side and strength up front with Pog [Pavel Pogrebnyak]. We’ll play with a high tempo.”