Antonio Conte believes Pedro is the "perfect" footballer to play in his 3-4-3 formation at Chelsea because of his "excellent" qualities on and off the ball.

After a difficult debut season in England last term, Pedro has shone for the Blues under new coach Conte - impressing on the right wing in the Italian's 3-4-3 set-up and scoring two goals in the process.

One of those goals includes the fastest-ever strike in the top flight this season, which came when Pedro scored after just 30 seconds in the 4-0 win over Manchester United last month.

Conte has been impressed with the former Barcelona winger, and believes he is the perfect player to be part of his starting team each week.

Speaking to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte said: "Pedro? He has qualities of absolute excellence.

"He's perfect for the 3-4-3."

Conte also had kind words to say about the Premier League's top scorer Diego Costa, who appears to be back to his best form after a past season in which he initially struggled for goals and fitness.

"As for Diego Costa, he is one of the best strikers in the world. For us it's not just important that he's a goalscorer, but that he works for the team," he said.

When then asked about another of Chelsea's stand-out players so far this season, Eden Hazard, Conte added: "Eden's talent is beyond question, he's a world class player and a great lad.

"He has a surprising maturity for his age."