Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly planning to use Eden Hazard as a false number nine next season. The 31-year-old again found it difficult to show his best form for Los Blancos during the 2021-22 campaign, managing only one goal and two assists in 23 appearances in all competitions. In total, the Belgium international has scored six times and registered 10 assists in 66 appearances for Real Madrid, largely struggling at Bernabeu since his big-money move from Chelsea in July 2019.

Hazard still has more than two years left to run on his contract, though, and he will be staying with the La Liga and European champions this summer despite the speculation surrounding his future. According to AS, Ancelotti is planning to deploy the Belgian as a false number nine next season in the matches where Karim Benzema needs a rest. The report claims that the position on the left of the attack is now closed due to Vinicius Junior’s form, while Rodrygo and Federico Valverde are ahead of him for the spot on the right. Continue reading →