Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says Eden Hazard is yet to reach the peak of his abilities and has challenged the forward to continue working hard in training.

The Belgium international, who was rested for the midweek victory over Swansea, put in a stellar display against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Hazard scored the equaliser to cancel out Dwight Gayle’s surprise opener before he wrapped up the three points in the second half from the penalty spot to hand the Blues a 3-1 win and extend their run in the Premier League to seven games unbeaten.

The 26-year-old was key to helping Chelsea to the Premier League title last season and he already boasts eight goals and six assists from 18 outings in all competitions this term.

However, Conte believes Hazard is yet to reach his peak and has urged the former Lille man to keep working in training to continue his development as Chelsea, who are priced at 19.00 to win the Premier League outright, attempt to keep their slim title hopes alive.

Conte said: “I don’t think that Eden is at the peak of his career yet. I think he has a lot of improvement [to make].

“It’s important for him to work, work, work in every training session to improve himself and then to have this kind of performance.

“You are only at the top when you win the Ballon d‘Or the first time, when you win the Champions League or when you win the World Cup. At that moment, you are a great player.”