Hiddink praises Hazard after Blues draw

Guus Hiddink was full of praise for Eden Hazard after the Belgian’s display in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Hazard, who attracted criticism for his performances earlier in the season. scored a brilliant goal to put the Blues ahead at Anfield.[phone][/phone]

And Hiddink, who is approaching the end of his time as interim boss, believes the Belgian has responded well to the doubters with his much-improved form in recent weeks.

“Everyone in a job gets criticism and it’s how you deal with that,” said Hiddink.

“It can affect you a bit, but it’s always good to see the reaction when you’re criticised like he was.

“He has had a difficult year. He has had injures, come back, had more injuries, and that made him vulnerable physically.

“He plays with courage – he receives a lot of physical contact but nevertheless he goes on.

“He’s fit and fresh – mentally and physically – and it’s a pleasure to see those type of players.”

Hazard’s goal looked like being enough to give Chelsea the points, but an injury-time mistake by keeper Asmir Begovic gifted Liverpool an equaliser.

But Hiddink was more than happy with their performance in their penultimate match of what has been a disappointing season.

“It was of course a big disappointment in the last minute, but I can say Chelsea played a perfect game tonight,” he said.

“I can be very satisfied with the performance of the team, although it was a nice present for Liverpool in the last minute.”

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