Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been impressed with the attitude of Cesc Fabregas as the midfielder fights to win back his place in the Blues midfield.
Fabregas missed just one Premier League game last season and has been a permanent fixture in Chelsea’s side since joining from Barcelona in the summer of 2014.
But Conte dropped Fabregas for Chelsea’s opening game against West Ham last week and the Spain international also failed to make the starting line up for the 2-1 win at Watford.
However, Conte introduced Fabregas in the second half of the clash at Vicarage Road and he provided the assist for Diego Costa’s late winner to remind the Italian coach of his talent.
Conte has praised the manner in which Fabregas has dealt with being dropped and believes the 29-year-old’s work ethic is an example to all of his players.
“I am pleased with his attitude,” Conte told the club’s website. “He is working very hard during the training sessions to show me he deserves to play.
“I want to see this, that all the players show me they deserve to start the game.
“I am a very happy manager when I see this commitment. When you have many players thinking about the team and not himself, it’s important.
“This situation is happening at Chelsea,” Conte added.
Chelsea face Burnley at Stamford Bridge next weekend and Fabregas will be hopeful he has done enough to secure a starting berth.
But competition for places is fierce with N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic both still appearing to be ahead of Fabregas in the pecking order.
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