London: 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 £32 million ($53.1 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 £27 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.