Antonio Conte backs Diego Costa to rediscover his form and fire Chelsea to the Premier League title

Spaniard Costa has 17 goals in the Premier League this season but has only found the net three times in 2017

Diego Costa has only managed three goals in 2017 (AFP)

Antonio Conte has every faith that Diego Costa will rediscover his form and fire Chelsea to the title.

Spaniard Costa has 17 goals in the Premier League this season but has only found the net three times in 2017 meaning he is still looking for his 50th strike in Blues colours.

But his manager has defended his out-of-form striker insisting that goals are only part of what Costa brings to his team.

"Goals are very important for the forwards," Conte said. "But I think he knows that, for us, he's an important player if he is scoring or if he doesn't score.

"He must continue with his commitment and then I'm sure he'll score. He's playing good football and doing what I want. I'm not concerned about this.

"I speak with all my players if I'm not happy with someone's commitment or behaviour, but not if he's not scoring.

"It can happen. In a lot of circumstances he was unlucky. But a player like Diego Costa can score in every game and I'm sure he can do this."

Costa won LaLiga in Spain with Atletico Madrid in 2013-14 before claiming a first Premier League title with Chelsea a year later after a £32million move to Stamford Bridge.

Now in his third season at Chelsea, Costa is seeking a second Premier League triumph, with the Blues seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham ahead of Saturday's match at Bournemouth.


 The midweek win over City has Conte's side just six wins from the title 
 (Getty)

Throughout his time with the Blues he has been linked with a move away - a return to Atletico is perennially raised - and in January there were suggestions of a bust-up with Conte over the possibility of a move to the Chinese Super League which did not materialise.

Conte lauded Costa's character.

He said: "The quality is his experience. His character. His personality. That's very important for us and the team. Also, Diego won in the past and he has good experience."