Claude Puel believes Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu is "not far off" the standard of newly-crowned PFA player of the year N'Golo Kante ahead of the Premier League trip to Chelsea.
Kante has become one of the most influential midfielders in the division, playing a huge role in Leicester's memorable title win last season and looking good for a second successive championship, this time with Antonio Conte's Chelsea.
Romeu, on the other hand, is now one of Saints' most influential players, performing in the defensive midfield anchorman role admirably following Victor Wanyama's summer departure to Tottenham.