Chelsea hero Joe Cole hailed the performance of N'Golo Kante for their Champions League win against Atletico Madrid.

The France midfielder received the Man of the Match award, making a total of 13 ball recoveries in the match and keeping the Blues ticking over in both defence and attack against Diego Simeone's men.

Speaking to BT Sport after Chelsea's 2-0 win on the night at Stamford Bridge, Cole believes he is benefiting from having Mateo Kovacic next to him, but still plays like two players in one.

"You have got the legs in midfield now," Cole said. "You have got Kovacic and Kante back, and Kante looks about five years younger again.

"He has missed a lot of football, but he has had a good run at it now and he has built his fitness and match stamina up that you need.

"He just looks so comfortable. I think he likes having Kovacic in there as well, because I think it takes the burden off him, and they both get about the pitch.

"He was sensational. Not only does he have the physical capabilities, but he has got that canny ability to be in right place at right time and players don't get round him.

"He's like having two men in there in one. He decides when he takes it, he blocks lines and then still has the energy to keep starting attacks and break forward in the 90th minute as well, he was fantastic and he's back to his best.

"He is underestimated for his technical ability, he dribbles and he can pass, he is fantastic."