Saturday 18 March 2017 09:30, UK
Antonio Conte says Cesc Fabregas is a "really important" member of his Chelsea squad who brings "great quality and great fantasy".
Fabregas has not always started for the Premier League leaders this season but has been made notable contributions from the bench, and was on the pitch from the start for their last two league matches.
He will again be in the mix for Saturday's game at Stoke and, on the eve of the match, Conte spoke about the Spaniard's importance to his side.
"Cesc gives you great quality, great fantasy and assists," said Conte.
"It's important to manage the situation and understand when it's right, for example, to play with Cesc or with (Nemanja) Matic.
"We are talking about two great players, with different characteristics. Nema is more physical, more technical, less fantasy than Cesc. Cesc has more fantasy but is less physical than Nema.
"He [Fabregas] has always had a great impact, whether he starts a game or comes on.
"He's technically very good, and can put the ball where he wants. He's a great player. Often, he's decisive with the pass, with the assist, and also to score a goal.
"This season, he has improved a lot in all aspects and, for me, he is a really, really important player."
Fabregas has enjoyed a superb career but last season was not one of his best, as Chelsea relinquished the title and former boss Jose Mourinho was dismissed.
But this season has been a different story under Conte, who thinks Fabregas has handled his relative lack of playing time with great aplomb.
"Cesc, this season, is showing to be a great professional," said Conte. "But, above all, a great player.
"I'm very pleased to see that in him, his commitment and work-rate. This season he has faced a new situation. Cesc, in the past, has always played every single game. It's not easy to change.
"But, for sure, Cesc showed me that he is not only a great player but a great person."
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