Forget Hazard! Mohamed Salah’s 9 dribbles against Swansea show he is stepping up

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Mohamed Salah had one of his best games yet in a Chelsea shirt since his January switch.

Chelsea were without Eden Hazard for their trip to Swansea, but new signing Mohamed Salah certainly stepped up.

With the Belgian injured, January signing Salah demonstrated just why Chelsea splashed out on him, and his performance really merited the Blues scoring more than one goal.

Hazard is usually Chelsea’s top dribbler, his quick feet mesmerising defences. Against Swansea, Salah showed this exact attribute, with nine successful dribbles.

The Egyptian also created three goalscoring opportunities and had four shots on goal – unfortunately none were on target, with the closest being an effort which hit the woodwork.

His dribbling display was not quite as efficient as Hazard’s this season, but it was his best in a Chelsea shirt so far, and the fourth best put in by any player at the club this campaign.

Salah will not be eligible for the upcoming Champions League clashes with Atletico Madrid as he remains cup-tied, but his performance is encouraging where the Premier League title race is concerned.

With Hazard out injured, Salah’s form means Chelsea are under less pressure to rush him back, and will be able to manage their options with greater confidence when he returns, with Salah expected to play a key role in the run in, while Hazard can stay fresh for the Atletico ties.

He did not hit the ground running immediately, but suddenly Salah appears to be coming in to form for Chelsea, and the timing could not be more perfect.