Roberto Di Matteo reserved special prasie for the underrated John Obi Mikel, saying the defensive midfielder was one of the most important players in the Chelsea squad.
"Over the years he has been almost ever-present, and he has been very important over the back end of last season and this season he started in good form," Di Matteo told the club's official website. "We all make mistakes in games and I don't think he gets the credit for the work he does for the team.
"It's a thankless task really, and I understand because I played in that role myself a little bit, and it's a role that is important for the team. His teammates and the management team understand and appreciate it, but maybe the fans are more focused on the more creative players and goalscorers, but that role is vital in our team.
"He and the player alongside him have to have a good understanding and communication, so that we always have one of the two behind the ball who is able to provide an outlet for us, to switch play, and also be the first player thinking about if we lose the ball, to be able give organisation in front of the defence."
Chelsea are unbeaten in the league so far, but Di Matteo is refusing to take anything for granted. "I was hoping for a good start and the response we got from the players was excellent," he added. "Every win brings that positive mood into the camp, and helps build momentum.
"Preseason was a little disrupted by the Euros and the Olympic Games and the players coming back at different dates, so we didn't have a full or normal preseason programme, so we were very pleased to go into the league and start well.
"We felt we needed a good start, but that's all it is, a good start.
"If you look at our fixture list it is very demanding and packed for a long time, so undoubtedly there will be time and space for everybody to play and show their qualities," Di Matteo added.
"We have Tottenham and Manchester United to come, with Shakhtar Donetsk in between so it's a big period coming up. Hopefully, when this international break is over, all the players come back in good health and we can start again."
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