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Eden Hazard back to his best, says Chelsea captain John Terry

Eden Hazard celebrates scoring the opening goal of the match
Image: Eden Hazard has returned to his very best form, according to Chelsea captain John Terry

John Terry has hailed Eden Hazard's return to form and believes the Chelsea midfielder is back among the "the very best in the world".

Hazard endured a dismal 2015/16 campaign, failing to score in the Premier League for 27 matches as Chelsea slumped to a 10th place finish - their first outside the top-six since 1996.

But the 25-year-old did not have to wait long for his first goal of the 2016/17 season, netting just after half-time in Chelsea's 2-1 opening day victory over West Ham on Monday Night Football.

Eden Hazard scores from the spot for Chelsea against West Ham
Image: Hazard's thunderous penalty gave Chelsea the lead at Stamford Bridge

"He's up there with the very best in the world for me," Terry told Chelsea's official website.

"We relied on him too much last season and he can't do it all on his own even though he almost does.

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"He's a world-class player and we're very lucky to have him."

Diego Costa's late winner handed new Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte his first victory in the Premier League in front of a sold-out Stamford Bridge.

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Eden Hazard says it is great to be back in action for Chelsea while John Terry hailed his side's victory

West Ham defender James Collins had briefly threatened to spoil the party, cancelling out Hazard's earlier penalty, before Costa secured all three points for the home side in the 89th minute.

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Antonio Conte says he was extremely proud of the intensity and spirit Chelsea showed during their 2-1 win against West Ham

Terry added: "It was very important to get off to a good start. The way we started and ended last season wasn't good enough by our own standards.

"We said before the game that whether we won lost or drew that was the type of fight and commitment we want from everyone.

Antonio Conte celebrates victory with John Terry
Image: Terry was delighted to secure victory in Antonio Conte's first match as Chelsea head coach

"We dug in, it was a big London derby and it means a lot to players and supporters.

"It was great for the management to get off to a good start as well."

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