Jose Mourinho has hailed Cesc Fabregas as the driving force behind Chelsea striker Diego Costa's blistering start to the season.
Costa has adapted seamlessly to life in the Premier League following his STG32 million ($A58.41 million) move from Atletico Madrid in the close-season and the Spain international took his goal tally to seven from just four matches with a hat-trick in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Swansea on Saturday.
Blues boss Mourinho is delighted with Costa's predatory finishing and combative style, but he believes the probing passes of Spain midfielder Fabregas have been just as instrumental in the Brazil-born star's success.
Mourinho's decision to bring Fabregas back to the Premier League in a STG27 million ($A49.28 million) switch following an underwhelming spell at Barcelona is also paying early dividends, with the former Arsenal playmaker providing assists for two of Costa's goals against Swansea.
Now the dynamic duo will take their promising partnership into Europe for the first time on Wednesday when the Blues host Schalke in their opening Champions League Group G fixture and Mourinho expects Costa to benefit from more Fabregas magic against the German club.
"To play with Fabregas is the dream of every striker," Mourinho told Chelsea TV.
"The guy sees the movement, sees the pass, is not selfish, makes always the right choice."
Mourinho's praise must be music to Fabregas's ears but, publicly at least, he was keen to play down his own contribution when asked about his form and the link to Costa's flying start.
"Just trying to do my job. That's it," he said.
"We have a good team, strong, young, with a lot of courage. We showed it again against Swansea."
After bemoaning Chelsea's lack of cutting edge for much of last season, Mourinho has no complaints about the brilliant attacking play which has brought 15 goals in four games as the Blues raced to the top of the Premier League.
Chelsea would love to lay down an early marker in Europe as well after suffering a painful semi-final exit against Atletico Madrid last season.
They are firm favourites to qualify from a group also featuring Sporting Lisbon and Maribor.
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