Nemanja Matic has admitted that he is grateful for the work being carried out by N'Golo Kante at Chelsea, which allows him to get forward into more advanced positions.

The France international has slotted into the defensive midfield berth seamlessly since being signed from champions Leicester City in the summer for £32m.

Kante's arrival looked to have brought an end to Matic's own career at Stamford Bridge following a disappointing campaign last time out, but the Serbian has featured nine times for Chelsea already this season in all competitions.

Matic is delighted by the impact his new teammate has made in West London, telling reporters: "Since Kante came, he's worked more behind me and his job is what I have done for the last two years.

"I have a little bit more freedom to get forward, as long as there is space, but when we defend I have to get back to help him. He is doing a great job. I know it is not easy for him.

"I wish him all the best for the rest of the season because he needs to run a lot. It's very hard playing in that position, but it's his job. He needs to do that."

Kante topped the Premier League charts last season for tackles and interceptions made during Leicester's run to the title.