Chelsea news: Nemanja Matic praises N'Golo Kante's impressive start to the season

With Kante sat back in front of the Chelsea backline, Matic has been granted the license to push forward in Antonio Conte's side

N'Golo Kante has slotted effortlessly into life at Stamford Bridge (Getty)

Nemanja Matic has praised N’Golo Kante’s impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge and acknowledged that his role within the side “is not easy”.

The former Leicester midfielder arrived at Chelsea in July 2016 for £32m and has established himself as a key component in Antonio Conte’s side.

With Kante sat in front of the Chelsea backline Matic has been granted the license to push on further forward but, having played there himself, he fully understands the demands of the defensive midfield position

“Since Kante came, he's worked more behind me and his job is what I have done for the last two years,” Matic said.

“I have a little bit more freedom to get forward, as long as there is space, but when we defend I have to get back to help him.

“He is doing a great job, I know it is not easy for him. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season because he needs to run a lot.

“It's very hard playing in that position, but it's his job. He needs to do that.”

Kante’s ability to seemingly cover every blade of grass on the pitch has been well recognised by his teammates.

Eden Hazard nicknamed the Frenchman “The Rat” on account of his ability to pop up everywhere on the field.

The player has also been repeatedly compared to Chelsea icon Claude Makelele who hopes his fellow compatriot can emulate his own success on the pitch.

Speaking last month, Makelele said: "You must be a leader. You must work with your team-mates in midfield.

"I like N'Golo Kante, but is he better than me at this? I do not know. He still needs time to fully learn the job, to learn about football.

"He is a young player I really like, and I hope he will be better than I was."