Conte: Oscar makes Chelsea better, more balanced

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has unearthed something of a hidden gem in once-highly touted midfielder Oscar - or so he says - as the Italian tactician heaped praise on the Brazil man following a string of positive early matches.

But it's not Oscar's attacking traits that make him a star; rather, Oscar earned his manager's backing - the kind he didn't receive under Jose Mourinho - for his balanced play, including strong defensive qualities.

"Last season Chelsea conceded 55 goals. I was thinking of this situation," Conte said, according to Liam Twomey from ESPN FC. "Now, we have found the right compromise between defensive and offensive situations. Oscar is a good player with great technique, and can do both facets: offensive and defensive.

"I asked him to stay always focused on the game, to stay in the game. He's an important player for Chelsea: good passing, good technique. He can also score a goal. He sees the goal very well."

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While Conte heaped his praises on Oscar, his inclusion in the Chelsea starting XI presents a problem for another important midfielder.

If Oscar starts with N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic in support - as has been Conte's preference this season - there remains no room for Cesc Fabregas in the starting lineup.

It's not necessarily from a lack of effort or quality, though.

"I know that I have to choose 11 players but it can happen that, if at one moment I decide to play with Cesc, another player must stay on the bench," Conte said. "I want to see the same attitude, the same behaviour from Cesc."