Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is full of praise for new teammate N'Golo Kante.

The Serbia international has been impressed by his new team-mate, who has excelled so far in the 'Makelele role'.

"He is very important for us, especially in that position," Matic told Sky Sports.

"You have to give balance to the team and he knows how he needs to do that job. He is very important for us.

"I know how difficult it is to play that position and I'm very happy because N'Golo is doing very well and is going to be a very important player for us, maybe one of the most important players in this season.

"It is very hard for him and it's going to be hard, but I'm sure that he is ready.

"Many people say that he is the new Makelele, but I don't think so. Makelele was a great player and we all respect him, me especially because I know that position and how it is difficult to play.

"But I think that N'Golo is better than him. He is doing his defensive job very well and with the ball he has some extra quality."