Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte lauded Cesc Fabregas, saying the midfielder provided his team with "great fantasy".
Fabregas, 29, battled for game time early in the season, but has become a more important player for the runaway Premier League leaders in recent matches.
"He has always had a great impact, whether he starts a game or comes on. He always has a great impact because he is technically very good, and can put the ball where he wants," he told UK newspapers.
"He's a great player. Often he's decisive with the pass, with the assist, and also to score a goal.
"For sure, Cesc gives you great quality, great fantasy and assists.
"I'm very pleased to see that in him, his commitment and work-rate. This season he faced a new situation. In the past, he has always played every single game. It's not easy to change.
"But, for sure, Cesc showed me that he is not only a great player but a great person. I think, this season, he has improved a lot in all aspects and, for me, he is a really, really important player."
