LONDON -- Antonio Conte says Chelsea need "warriors" like Diego Costa on the pitch, and that he's pushing his players to emulate the leadership shown by captain John Terry during his spell on the sidelines.

Costa has been the outstanding player in the Premier League this season, registering 11 goals and five assists in 14 appearances to fire Chelsea to an eight-match winning streak that has seen them climb to the top of the table.

But just as impressive has been the 28-year-old's discipline; after four bookings in his first six Premier League games this season -- two for dissent -- he has so far steered clear of the fifth that would lead to an automatic one-match ban if picked up between now and Dec. 31.

Conte has always defended the fiery aspects of Costa's personality, and says the Spain international is turning his rougher edges to his advantage this season.