Chelsea star: This summer signing was the missing piece in the puzzle

Cesar Azpilicueta has hailed N’Golo Kante as one of the signings of the season for Chelsea.

The French midfielder has earned heaps of praise this term after his sparkling performances for the Blues since his transfer from Leicester City last summer.

Kante has been a regular fixture in the Chelsea team this season and has helped Antonio Conte’s men establish themselves as the firm favourites to win the title this season.

Indeed, the France international has been touted as one of the leading candidates to win the PFA player of the year award this season.

And Azpilicueta has been thoroughly impressed by what the has seen from Kante this term, while also praising the club for bringing him to Stamford Bridge last summer.

“He was a vital piece in the puzzle for the manager and the club did fantastic work in signing him. Moreover, they did it early. It wasn’t last minute,” Azpilicueta told The Guardian.

“They brought him in early so that he had time to train with the team and adapt, which he did quickly. I think that’s very important. His performances have been fantastic. He started well and he has kept getting better.”

Chelsea are currently chasing a Premier League and FA Cup double in Conte’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

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The Blues finished 10th and without a trophy last season in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s sacking.