Antonio Conte plans to use Cesc Fabregas in No 10 role for Chelsea this season behind Alvaro Morata

ANTONIO CONTE plans on using Cesc Fabregas in the No 10 role next season.

The Chelsea boss believes the Spain star can play alongside N’Golo Kante in midfield OR further up the pitch.

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With a return to the Champions League, Conte is assessing his options and reckons Cesc can support a lone striker like Eden Hazard.

Conte said: “He is a really good player who can play in this position in midfield but also he could play No10.”

Fabregas, 30, has been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge when he spent time on the bench – but he now looks firmly in Conte’s plans.

Last season he forced his way back and got Premier League starts after starting the season only playing in the cups.

Conte said: “For sure, he is a great example to other players with his commitment and his behaviour every day during training sessions.

“He must continue this way because he is working well for us.

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“In the second part of last season, Cesc played a lot of games and he was an important player for us to reach our target of winning the league and also to reach the final of the FA Cup.

He is a really good player and has worked really hard. I think Cesc has improved a lot from when I arrived at Chelsea, from his start and up to now, he has improved a lot.”

Fabregas says he is ready to compete with new £40million signing Tiemoue Bakayoko for a starting place.

He said: “I have been competing for 15 seasons. That will not put me down after what happened last season and how I stood up to it.

“I’m ready for anybody. I feel great. I understand the philosophy of the manager very, very well.

“I know what he wants from me. I know what I need to give to the team. I just try to keep improving for as long as I can.”

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