Why Keeping Cesc Fabregas Is a Key Early Task for Antonio Conte at Chelsea

Two summers ago, Chelsea were rapid when they signed Cesc Fabregas ahead of the World Cup. Along with the arrival of Diego Costa shortly after, it was the moment many claimed won them the 2014/15 title.

Chelsea's slick approach in the transfer market had put them streets ahead of their rivals. Jose Mourinho had identified the holes in his squad that needed filling to perfect his formula, and before anyone around them could react, Chelsea had stolen the lead.

Now Antonio Conte must do something similar if he's to enjoy the same levels of success in his first year as Chelsea boss.

With Chelsea sitting mid-table and continuing to struggle, it doesn't take a manager of the Italian's class to highlight how things have gone desperately wrong for the club this season.

For the first time since 1996/97, the Blues have shipped more than 50 Premier League goals. They've been largely ineffective going forward, too.

Conte has much to do defensively, namely finding John Terry's long-term replacement. Added to that, some mettle is required to bolster a weak midfield that has contributed heavily to that unwanted defensive record.

Not only would that act to provide a more solid base at the back, it would bring the best out of Cesc Fabregas. Of all the business Chelsea do this summer, restoring Fabregas as the fulcrum of the team needs to be addressed.

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Too often we've seen the Spaniard dragged into defensive duties that have never been part of his game.

In the team's structure, any player is called upon to defend at times. That's a reality, yet for Fabregas, he's been exposed more often than he should have been.

Nemanja Matic's terrible campaign has contributed significantly to that. In 2014/15, Chelsea's balance in the middle worked, as it was Matic who shouldered the dirty aspects of the game, leaving Fabregas to do what he does best—quarterback from midfield. That, in turn, resulted in Costa and Eden Hazard being effective in the final third.

When the Serb wasn't doing that, Fabregas himself had to join in and mop up. His slight frame (5'9") tells us he isn't suitable in that area, not to mention an inability to mix it up with more physical opponents.

Formula One cars look glorious as they slalom around a circuit. They manoeuvre with all the grace Fabregas brings to a team, looking effortless as they glide through chicanes. Throw them into the World Rally Championship, however, and they would fail miserably. They're not built for high-speed jumps and drifting bends.

Fabregas isn't built to be a midfield enforcer. His contribution to every team he has played for has been his impact in the opposition half.

To get back to emphasising that, Conte must create a platform that protects him.

Indeed, it's no coincidence that Fabregas has gradually restored his confidence in the second half of the campaign since Matic was marginalised by Guus Hiddink. Chelsea's interim boss has preferred to play John Mikel Obi alongside Fabregas in the pivot, and the Spaniard has benefited.

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For all the positives Mikel has added, he is still lacking quality. The Nigerian doesn't offer the same physicality as peak Matic and has a tendency to slow the pace of Chelsea's movement through the middle.

He's been a temporary solution to get Chelsea through the remainder of the campaign. It's worked for spells since Christmas, but now Conte must add his own mark on Chelsea's midfield. And whatever happens, Fabregas must be a part of it.

The cult of Andrea Pirlo grew as the Italian aged. Now playing out his career in MLS with New York City FC, his performances for Juventus and Italy were often marvelled. It was the way he went about his work that garnered attention, seemingly carefree as he roamed in central areas.

In possession, Pirlo was sublime. His vision exquisite, he would often control the tempo of games single-handedly, ensuring those around him played to Pirlo's tune. He conducted it all.

Since we saw him as a teenager with Arsenal, Fabregas' game has evolved significantly. A No. 10 or No. 8 with the Gunners, he was often seen as a false nine with Barcelona and Spain. Now at Chelsea, his role has been deeper in midfield.

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That's where he is most effective and where he should remain.

Comparisons with Pirlo are natural as Fabregas has many of the same qualities and will now play under the same manager who helped prolong Pirlo's career. He hasn't quite mastered that role like the Italian, but at 29, the Spaniard remains in his peak years.

Despite the doom and gloom of the past 12 months, this should be an exciting time for Chelsea fans. The club has a new manager, and some world-class talent remains in the squad to complement the undoubtedly capable youth the academy's assembly line continues to pump out.

It's Conte's job to bring it all together and create the next generation of success. To do that, he needs to build around Fabregas. He's a player who combines it all—experience, talent and age.

For Conte's Chelsea to succeed, they can't let him go.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes.