Not only is Mateo Kovacic perfecting the art of midfield play under his boss Frank Lampard, he says he is also gaining tips off his team-mates, including new signing Kai Havertz.

The Blues have used a three-man midfield this season and the frequency of matches has resulted in a number of different trios lining up alongside one another.

On occasions Havertz has been selected in that role, and ahead of today’s game against Aston Villa, Kovacic has praised the impact the German has had since arriving.

‘I like a lot Kai Havertz,’ said Kovacic.

‘He is such a talented player. He is a great signing for Chelsea. He will be a huge player for Chelsea and for world football, I’m sure of that.

‘He has huge potential. He is such an elegant player. He just needs to learn to play in the Premier League, that’s all. It’s a difficult league with a huge tempo, and he will get used to it. Game by game he is getting better so I have no fear for Kai.’

Another attack-minded team-mate who continues to impress Kovacic is Mason Mount, who like Havertz is just 21 years of age.

Mount: We can bounce back against Aston Villa

With spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid behind him, Kovacic is certainly the more experienced of that trio, but he doesn’t believe age matters when it comes to passing guidance on.

‘Mason has a great desire to work, his attitude is great and he is very talented,’ noted the Croatian. ‘It’s a normal thing he is doing so good because I saw last year his talent.

‘We like to talk. They can give me tips as well. They are both better goalscorers than me so I can look to them. It’s not about the age. Every player has his attributes. We talk and we can learn off each other.

‘For me, I want to become better every game. I can still improve and be better in some parts of games which I’m trying to do. I can improve a lot and I’m sure I will be even better as the season goes on.’