Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has no doubts Diego Costa is the best striker in the country.

Costa is vital to what he wants to achieve.

Conte said: “Diego is a real warrior. He is good for the team because it is important to have so many warriors during the game.

“Every game is a battle – a sporting battle – and it is important to have warriors in your side.

“Diego is showing his great passion and that he can put his passion in the team in the best way.

“It is fantastic for him and for us, the team, the club and the fans. He is playing very well and we are working a lot to involve him in our play.

“He is improving a lot, Diego. Did I ever think I would see him acting as peacemaker?

“No, no, no! I think it is very good because Diego is showing the right part of him now.

“Before, I think it wasn't always right. Sometimes Costa showed 'bad passion'. Now he is showing the right part of his character.

“He has got it right in his head. He now knows it is important to be focused on the game, on the pitch, to do some movements, to put himself in the best way in every moment of the game, to think, to think a lot, to be involved in the game.

“It's important. If you have to think about the game and try and fi nd the right movement, it is important. “He is thinking about the game.

“He is scoring goals rather than thinking about his opponent.

“In every game I ask the same things of my players: to be focused on the game, be focused on playing football. Only this. The other situations don't matter.

“It is important to be focused on the game. I always ask this of my players before every game.

“Is Costa the best striker in England today?

“Yes, but I always talk up my players.

If you ask me the best keeper or the best defender, I say my players. My players. I trust in them."