Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to play Eden Hazard as a central striker next season.

AS says Ancelotti is aware that he will have use Karim Benzema sparingly as the French striker turns 35 in December and was one of the club's most used players last season (3.919′ last year) and will be a key player for the French national side in the 2022 Qatar World Cup which kicks off in November.

This is where the club hope that former Chelsea captain Hazard can step-up and fulfil a new role at the club.

Real Madrid see Hazard as a foil for Benzema and even a replacement for the Lyon man whose game-will need to be carefully managed with a unique season coming up with the hiatus for many top players in the winter caused by the World Cup dates.

Hazard has been liberated of the osteosynthesis plate that had been inserted in his right fibula, which tormented him so much and was finally removed towards the end of last season.

The left flank, Hazard's natural habitat is totally under Vinicius' control with the Brazilian having a solid 21/22 season with 22 goals and 16 assists. The right flank is set to be manned by Rodrygo and this is why Ancelotti has decided to re-employ Hazard is a more central, false 9 role with the out-and-out substitute striker set to be Borja Mayoral.