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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. "Diego is a real warrior and it's good for the team," the Chelsea head coach said. "It's important to have many warriors [on the pitch] during the game because every game is a battle -- a sporting battle. "Diego is showing that he can put his great passion in the team in the best way, and I think it's fantastic for him, for us, for the club and for the fans. He's playing very well and we are working a lot to involve him in our play." One of the more startling subplots of Chelsea's blistering recent run of eight consecutive wins and six clean sheets is that it has been achieved almost entirely without Terry, whose ability to train has been interrupted by ankle ligament and muscle injuries since September. Given the form of Chelsea's starting back three it is unlikely that Terry would play even if fit, but Conte insists the 36-year-old's influence has not diminished even as the team flourishes in his absence. "He's injured but he's continuing to be a leader in the changing room," Conte said of Terry. "For example, John asked me to come with us to Manchester [for the City game]. It's important for me because John is our captain, and you are captain always if you play or if you are injured. "He is showing me great commitment, great attitude and great behaviour, and I'm pleased for this." Asked if other leaders were emerging within the Chelsea squad, Conte added: "It's important to increase the leadership in the other players. I like to see this and I ask [for] this. I think we are improving also in this aspect."
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