Jose Mourinho has praised Cesc Fabregas’ defensive qualities on top of his prowess in an attacking sense.
The Spanish midfielder has caught the eye with nine assists so far this season, the most of anyone in the Premier League, but Mourinho is impressed by the ugly side of Fabregas’ game.
“If you are just that type of intelligent, technical player but you don’t have the quality to compete and win first and second balls then to be intense is very difficult,” the Portuguese said to Chelsea TV.
“There are not many players like this and that is why when we felt the chance to have Cesc Fabregas, we thought the player could give us important things.”
Fabregas has excelled in being the focal point of the team, something he wasn’t at Barcelona and his link up with Diego Costa has been pivotal to Chelsea’s early season success.
Fabregas has had to play a little deeper for Chelsea alongside Nemanja Matic, but has still had the freedom to get forward.
By Joseph Richardson
