Belgium boss Roberto Martinez: 'Eden Hazard will not play as false nine'

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has insisted that he will not play Eden Hazard as a false nine on the international stage.

The 27-year-old has been tasked with playing in that role on occasion at Chelsea under manager Antonio Conte.

However, Martinez feels that Hazard is better utilised as a traditional playmaker due to the strong attacking options that Belgium have.

"Eden is not a false nine for me," the Daily Mail quotes Hazard as saying. "Chelsea can work with guys like Pedro around him but with us we have Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi, even Dries Mertens who can play there. I'm not going to put Hazard there.

"The shape of Lukaku is very good. He was impressive against Liverpool. He shows maturity, and I was pleased to see him perform at such a high level."

Hazard has scored 15 goals and created six assists in all competitions so far this season.