Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has urged supporters of Chelsea to exercise patience with Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The defending league champions have some of the best central midfielders in the country, with N'Golo Kante, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater and Cesc Fabregas battling it out for starting roles in Antonio Conte's side.
However, Bakayoko, has struggled to hit the ground running since signing from Monaco in the summer.
The 23-year-old was tasked with replacing fan-favourite Nemanja Matic, who has been thriving at Manchester United.
And Essien hs implored Chelsea fans to allow Bakayoko time to adapt in the Premier League.
"It is his first season. He is still young and he has a lot in him to keep developing," he continued.
"There's no need to put pressure on him and he doesn't need to put pressure on himself.
"He just needs to try to enjoy the situation and to try to adapt."
"Chelsea is an amazing place to play and the Premier League is not that easy to come to."
"Some people take time and others come in and get it straight away."