The Blues go into today’s match against Spurs at Stamford Bridge knowing another positive result would make it two months and 11 games unbeaten in all competitions, and the team’s excellent run has coincided with Kante’s own return to fitness and form.

‘We are happy to have good momentum,’ Kante said. ‘I think it’s a result of a lot of work and effort put together to get the results we want. I think so far we are doing well and we need to keep going in this way to have a great season.’

As one of the senior players in the squad, the 29-year-old has been given more and more responsibility in the side, as seen when he was handed the captain’s armband by Lampard in regular skipper Cesar Azpilicueta and vice-captain Jorginho’s absence, for the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in our last league game.

‘It’s great to be captain of this team, of this club. Something coming more and more as I get older on the team.

‘It’s the trust the manager gives me for this kind of game, and I appreciate it.'

Following a busy transfer window, Kante feels this group now have the tools to compete for titles at Chelsea and that the new arrivals have brought an added energy to the squad.

‘The players who came understand what we want to do in Chelsea. They bring a new energy, they are positive. They want to win and achieve good things at Chelsea and this helps to bring a fresh ambition in the squad and they settled very well in the squad.’

Looking ahead to today’s big Premier League fixture against Tottenham, Kante is expecting a good game between two sides in top form.

‘We are in good form and they are in good form. They have good players also. We lost in the Carabao Cup but now is the league and the most important.

‘I think it will be a good game because it’s important for both teams.’