The Chelsea boss admits a resurgent Rooney poses the biggest threat to his side’s hopes of avoiding losing any more ground to leaders Manchester City.

Conte’s side travel to Goodison Park today 14 points adrift of City but could end the day level on points with second-placed Manchester United if they can beat the Toffees and Jose Mourinho’s side slip up.

Everton’s dramatic improvement under Sam Allardyce has made that task harder, while Rooney’s return of six goals in his last five games has prompted suggestions the striker could yet play a part in England’s World Cup campaign in Russia.

“He is showing his ability,” said Conte. “For sure, Wayne Rooney is one of the best players of Everton. I think it was a great move for him. He’s showing he’s a fantastic player. 

“Wayne Rooney plays with his soul. You can see this during the game.”

Conte, though, believes Rooney will not have made the decision to end his Three Lions career easily – and knows from first-hand the demands of playing at the highest level from the age of 16.

“Only the player understands when the moment is arriving to say ‘stop’ when it comes to playing for the national team,” he said.

“We must have great respect for this decision. To stop your career with the national team is not easy, not easy. I’m sure his heart is a bit broken by this decision.

“But at the same time, we have to respect it because only the player understands when this moment has come.

“I stopped my career at the age of 35 because I understood that my legs, especially my legs, didn’t support me. My head and my heart and my soul, yes, wanted to continue. But my legs didn’t support me.

“I started my career, my first appearance was at 16. When you start early, usually you finish early.”

Conte, meanwhile, fears his side’s gruelling schedule could undermine Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions, and has called for the introduction of a winter break.

He said: “It’s right to start to think about this opportunity to find a new solution, because you have to try to put every team in the best situation to be competitive in all competitions. When the Champions League restarts in February, you arrive very tired.”

Everton boss Sam Allardyce is actually hoping to be tired come February having promised to splash the cash next month.

The Toffees spent almost £150m in the summer transfer window under former boss Ronald Koeman.

Allardyce, who replaced the Dutchman, is now expecting owner Farhad Moshiri to get his chequebook out again.

The Everton manager wants a new defender and striker after admitting he cannot sign former Blackburn star Steven N’Zonzi as he already has too many midfielders.

“I know there is money available to spend on the right player if they are available,” he said. 

“I would be very interested in Steven but if you have a look at how many footballers there are at the club, then it is impossible for me to block that up even more by bringing in someone when we would be better served in other areas – another goalscorer, maybe another full-back.”

Everton host Chelsea today in the first of five games over 14 days and Allardyce has challenged some of his fringe players to show they still have a part to play.

Everton have won four of Allardyce’s five games in charge but he has urged his side to beware complacency, citing Manchester United’s midweek League Cup humiliation at the hands of Championship Bristol City.

He said: “You would hope those players see it as a chance. If and when and where you make those changes, has got to be considered. 

“Manchester United against Bristol City is a perfect example for players who moan. You put them in and then something like that happens. 

“I don’t think they let the club down. They let themselves down. That’s what happens sometimes.

“It is very difficult for a player to maintain his enthusiasm when he gets pushed aside on a regular basis. 

“The squad members have a very difficult job to keep themselves ready. 

“Some of them will be thinking ‘I’ve got no chance’ but we all know things can change quickly in this game, with five games in 14 days.”

Everton announced a record turnover of £171.3m and a record profit of £30.6m in their latest accounts yesterday.