Antonio Conte draws parallels between Chelsea and Cesc Fabregas' resurgence

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Antonio Conte was full of praise for Cesc Fabregas following his superb performance against Middlesbrough, labelling the Chelsea midfielder as one of the best players in his squad.

Fabregas set up two of Chelsea's goals - the opener that Diego Costa got in the 23rd minute and Nemanja Matic's strike in the 65th minute - to help the Blues secure a 3-0 victory on Monday night which took the club to within one victory of winning the Premier League title.

His two assists at Stamford Bridge also means Fabregas, who turned 30 last week, has now created 10 or more goals in six different Premier League seasons, more than any other player.

Unsurprisingly, Fabregas' scintillating showing elicited the praise of Conte, who admitted the midfielder's patience in a season where he has been used largely as a substitute had pleased him.

"Cesc is one of the best at the centre of our season," Conte said.

"Through hard work he improved a lot and he played in every game.

"This development of Cesc is ours.

"We started the season not in the right way but only through work we found the right solution.

AFP/Getty Images

"He is showing himself to be a fantastic player.

"I'm pleased for him because I saw he put himself in this team in every moment whether he played or not. He deserves this."

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