Guus Hiddink has talked up Eden Hazard's strength and versatility for Chelsea, but believes - like the Belgian - the winger's best position remains on the left flank.
The Dutchman, who was recently installed as the Blues' interim manager, opted to start Hazard up front in the lone striker role against Manchester United on Monday night due to Diego Costa being suspended and Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao being out injured.
Despite Hazard growing into the game, he endured a largely disappointing showing at Old Trafford as he was regularly forced to drop deep to find the ball.
The Belgium star admitted he enjoyed playing as the lone striker against United - a position he also played in against Tottenham in late November - but insisted he preferred starting on the left.
And despite praising Hazard for being able to play in a variety of positions for Chelsea, Hiddink admitted the flank may be the best place for the Belgian to be utilised in the future.
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"First of all I think Eden is very versatile, he can play in various positions. On the wing he might give his best performances," Hiddink said.
"I haven't experienced him as a coach in the past, but now I've had him just a few days because he was injured. He came back with a strong character and wanted to play. He is back in shape.
"Normally, if a player has been injured he likes to take time to get into good physical and mental shape, but he was eager to play against Watford.
"You could see when he was warming up, looking at me saying: 'bring me on, bring me on'. That is an indication he can get back to the performance levels we are used to."
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Hiddink added: "I'm not a psychologist who tells players to come in and lie on the couch and then I assess them you professionally.
"I have short conversations in the dressing room or on the pitch. That's when you smell how they feel and how eager they are. Eden smells well."
