Claude Puel is full of praise for his fullback Ricardo Pereira.

The Portuguese international took some time to settle into the team and the Premier League.

But he has shown his quality in recent weeks, as his side have defeated Manchester City and Chelsea. He was their best player against City in the 2-1 win on Boxing Day.

"He's improved a lot. When I had him at Nice he was a left back. He was fantastic on the counter attack," Puel said of Pereira after the game.

"He's had difficulties here to win battles. He's come back strong.

"In the last six or seven games he's been excellent in defence and winning battles."