Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has once again heaped praise on summer signing Fabregas following his performance in the 3-1 win over Derby County in the Capital One Cup.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona star was given the man-of-the match award for his contribution to the game.

Fabregas created Chelsea’s first goal for Eden Hazard as he played in a more advanced role with Brazilian Oscar rested for the clash.

Further strikes form Filipe Luis and Andre Schurrle cancelled out Craig Bryson’s second-half goal but Chelsea did suffer two injuries.

Both Kurt Zouma and Didier Drogba left the field with head and ankle injuries respectively while afterwards Mourinho found time to praise Fabregas’ performance.

The former Real Madrid boss said: “He’s playing so well for us and what I like especially – more than his quality – is the person.

“He’s a professional. A big player like him, a world champion, coming here to play a Capital One Cup match and play the way he did – this is the kind of attitude I want from my players.

“All of them were very professional so I’m so, so happy with that because sometimes people don’t realise how difficult it is to play against Championship teams.”

Fabregas missed Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Hull last weekend due to suspension but he is set to return to Premier League duty in Monday night’s clash with Stoke City.

The Blues are the heavy favourites at odds of 1.61, with the draw priced at 3.60, while the Potters are 5.84 to win.