Chelsea fullback Reece James has hailed the impact of summer arrivals Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech.

Ziyech, a £38million signing from Ajax, has started to make an impact after overcoming a knee injury at the start of the season. The Moroccan has scored twice and contributed three assists in his last four Chelsea outings.

Veteran Brazilian defender Silva, 36, signed on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain and has brought his authority and leadership to a Chelsea back line that was often vulnerable last season.

James has already forged a good understanding with both and told The Athletic: "Thiago has brought a lot of experience. I have played alongside him a few times now. He has helped me a lot.

"You can see straight away why he has been one of the best in the world.

"He constantly talks to me throughout games, helping me in my positioning, directing me and making sure he is talking to me before, during and after games. It all adds up and improves performances.

"Further forward, there have been signs with Hakim in training. Ever since he arrived, we got on well. I knew I would be playing behind him.

"We clicked early and tried to build this connection in training to use this season. His left foot is just unbelievably good."