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Chelsea finished in lowly 10th position last season, and many tipped the Blues to struggle this season or at most fight for a Champions League spot.

However, Chelsea have been dominant this season and the Blues have been top of the table since November.

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendietta has hailed Chelsea boss Antonio Conte for what he has achieved with the Chelsea squad.

He told Omnisport: “I think it was important for Conte to click and find his 11, that team that has been playing most throughout the season and has been so successful – the goals from [Diego] Costa, [Eden] Hazard coming back to top form, Pedro.

“I think the players like Cesc [Fabregas], although not playing regularly, understand the importance of their role in the team and I think that’s what Conte has achieved this season.

“As I said, finding the team, finding the players and getting the commitment of the players so early in the season for someone that is new to the team [has been responsible] for so many players changing so drastically compared to the last season.”