Diego Costa is the best striker option for Chelsea at this time, insists Pedro.

The Blues midfielder has played with some great strikers, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but believes the Spaniard is the man best suited to lead the line for Antonio Conte's Premier League leaders.

Costa's strength and power have been vital for Chelsea this season and he is currently the leading goalscorer in the Premier League.

“Yeah, Diego is probably the best for this team,” Pedro said.

“He is a very good striker. I have played with more important people important players like Ibrahimovic.

“Costa is a very good striker too, very good runner, strong physically and scores more goals for the team. He is perfect for this team.

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"It is difficult (to choose between Ibrahimovic and Costa), it's difficult, but I play with a lot of players of high quality but Costa is a very good player.”

Costa was absent from the 3-0 win over Leicester and was training on his own at the start of the week but, since rejoining the squad, Pedro has been impressed with his attitude.

He explained: “No with the team, he has been training very well, with his team mates. He is very happy to be here in the club, this is the most important thing.”

Costa was reportedly told by his team-mates in no uncertain terms to buck his ideas up and focus on performing at Stamford Bridge and Pedro was delighted with his application against Hull.

Goal: Diego Costa

He said: “Yeah, his focus in the team, the game, this season to fight for this title. It s good for the team. This ambition Diego shows is good for the team.”

Chelsea's win over Hull moved them eight points clear of Arsenal after Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool all dropped points.

Pedro purred: “Yes it's great for us. There is a higher distance between us and some of our rivals, but the most important thing is to take it game by game.

“We must prepare through the week to play against Liverpool and Arsenal. These two games will be very difficult for us.”

Brentford are Chelsea's next opponents in the FA Cup but the Bees don't appear to be on Pedro's radar.

When asked about Saturday's meeting: “Yes, all the games are important. The FA cup is important, but these two games against Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League after are very important to us.”