Chelsea hero Ruud Gullit believes N'Golo Kante has been key to Eden Hazard's form resurgence.

Hazard has begun the season looking more like the man who won the PFA and FWA Player of the season awards in 2014-15.

Gullit told the London Evening Standard: “For me, Kante was one of the best signings of the summer. He is the missing link for Chelsea.

“Kante is the reason why Hazard's now playing well because he doesn't have to think all of the time about his defensive tasks.

“There is not as much for him to do compared to when a player like Cesc Fabregas is behind him instead.

"Fabregas is not famous for his defensive tasks — most of the time he comes back into the dressing room with a clean shirt.

“But Antonio Conte introduced a force into midfield in Kante and Hazard can play better. Everybody would play better with Kante in the side."