Former Spain international Fernando Morientes has advised Chelsea manager Antonio Conte to stick by Alvaro Morata.

The 25-year-old was recruited as a replacement for Diego Costa in the summer transfer window last year, but in recent months his goalscoring threat has dwindled.

In fact, the Spaniard, who cost a reported £60m from Real Madrid, has only found the back of the net once in his last 14 outings for the Blues.

Morientes, though, has faith in Morata, and has urged Conte to think the same way.

"When you move to England, everything changes: the football, the culture," Morientes told Yahoo Sport. "I think everyone who makes that move needs a period of adaptation. Spanish players need that, [but] he's a player who can make the fans very happy.

"He has already scored some important goals. Now he's searching for his form after coming back from injury. He has arrived at a very big club and the important thing is that the coach believes in you. I think Alvaro has that. Today, more teams are looking for small, technical forwards, who won't impose themselves in the air, but Alvaro Morata has everything.

"He's quick, he's strong. He's good with his head. He likes being in the area. For a team that normally plays attacking football and creates lots of chances, having a player like him, who attracts the attention of so many defenders, is absolutely brilliant. I think that Chelsea have taken a very good bet on Alvaro and I hope it works out."

In his last 10 appearances, the striker has completed a full 90 minutes just three times.