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Lesley Ugochukwu has named John Mikel Obi and Patrick Vieira as two Premier League greats which he idolised while growing up. The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Rennes for around £23.2million in the summer, has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, enjoying numerous appearances off the bench since his arrival.

Ugochukwu has featured seven times for the Blues this season, holding his own among the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez – two British record-breaking signings. While the France Under-21s international has only made three starts, he's quickly becoming a key fixture in the Chelsea squad.

Towards the end of games, Pochettino often looks to Ugochukwu, who arms the west Londoners with steel and composure in the middle of the park. In an interview with the official Chelsea website, the Frenchman revealed how he's managed to settle in so well.

«Everyone has been kind with me,» said Ugochukwu. «I joined the squad in the U.S and from there we did pre-season. I am very happy to be part of this team. I’m close with the French players – and there are a lot in the squad!

»It’s helped a lot. When I speak with Malo or Axel, I can be natural [on the pitch]. If the ball goes right, I can say, ‘Axel, droit!’ So that has helped. I speak with everyone, though. There is a good mood here."

Ugochukwu added: «When I was a child, I always dreamed of playing in the best league in the world. When I was small, I watched the big teams like Chelsea. So it was a dream. When I heard they wanted me to join, I didn’t hesitate.

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