Deco is a huge fan of Carlo Ancelotti’s diamond formation at Chelsea Football Club.

It looked as though the Portuguese would be sold this summer after a poor debut season in England, but he has been reborn following the appointment of the Italian coach.

"We know that Carlo played this system in Milan for many years and here I think we have good players to play in this system," said Deco, who had been courted by Internazionale in the summer.

"We have great midfield players and this system gives the option to play well because normally all the time we have one more player in midfield than the opposition.

"Sometimes it is hard to defend because if the other team has a good full-back that attacks much, the midfielder needs to go close him because we don't have a winger to help.

"But all systems have disadvantages. I think to play this way is fantastic."