Ray Wilkins believes Chelsea should recall Diego Costa and play him as well as Alvaro Morata.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Wilkins insisted the out-of-favour Costa should be in London with the rest of the Blues squad.
Morata has scored three goals since his big-money move from Real Madrid in the summer.
But the Hillingdon-born Wilkins, who has served Chelsea as a player, coach and assistant manager, would rather have Costa up front.
Wilkins said: “When I look at Diego Costa and I look at Morata I see a better footballer in Morata – better control, better movement and probably quicker.
“But when I look at the beast, in Costa, and what he gives you – he upsets people – I’d sooner have Costa than Morata.
“Why we haven’t got both, I don’t know. Costa still has, is it one or two years left on his contract? He should be at Stamford Bridge.
“We should be using both of them and then we would have a proper strikeforce.
“I cannot for the life of me see why Costa is still on the beach in Brazil playing five-a-side with his mates.
“He’s still a Chelsea footballer and he should be back here in London.”
Meanwhile, boss Antonio Conte backed Morata following Chelsea’s goalless draw with Arsenal.
Morata endured a frustrating afternoon and did not have a significant chance to score as the champions were forced to settle for point.
But Conte praised the striker for his link-up play and work ethic.
He said: “In my opinion Morata played a really good game, and I am very happy with his performance.
“For me he played very well, had a lot of the ball and tried to send Willian, Pedro and our wing-backs.
“If the number nine scores he has played a good game and if not he didn’t (supposedly) play a good game, but my vision is different. I’m really happy with his performance.”
Conte was also pleased with his team’s overall display even though they were unable to break the deadlock.
“I think the performance was a good performance,” said the Italian.
“When you play this kind of massive game you know very well that anything can happen.
“Both teams tried to win and had chances to score. I think it was a good draw.”
This post was last modified on 18/09/2017
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I don't want a player who is bigger than a club or the coach. NO Way back for Diego.
I agree with Wilkins D.Costa should be recalled. for me his on field bullying of opposition defenders give chelsea impetus to win games but Morata does have it. in spain you can play soft and win but not in EPL. #BRING BACK COSTA#