Oscar winning plaudits at Chelsea

Antonio Conte has singled out Oscar for praise after the Chelsea midfielder has played a starring role in his side’s strong start to the season.

The Blues currently sit second in the Premier League table – with three wins and a draw from their first four matches.

Oscar’s form has been so impressive that Cesc Fabregas has had to settle for a spot on the bench as the Brazilian pulls the strings in midfield.

And Conte is enjoying the balance of his midfield alongside the likes of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic.

“I always thought this team needed to find a good balance when you have possession of the ball and when you have not, and last season Chelsea conceded 55 goals,” said the Italian head coach.

“Oscar is a good player with great technique and can do both phases, offensive and defensive. Now I ask him to always stay focused in the game because he is an important player for Chelsea. He is a good passer and he can score goals. He is in my plan and in Chelsea’s plan.”

(Joachim Sielski/Bongarts/Getty Images)

But Fabregas is not out of contention and Conte is confident the Spaniard can force his way back into first-team contention.

“Cesc is working very well and improving a lot in many aspects in the defensive situation,” he added.

“I have to choose 11 players but if it happens that I decide to play with Cesc, another player will be on the bench and I want to see the same attitude and behaviour as Cesc.”