Chelsea star labelled 'best in the world' by Robert Sanchez after Tottenham win

Robert Sanchez insists Chelsea boast the finest midfielder on the planet in "animal" Moises Caicedo. The dynamic Ecuadorian proved the driving force behind the Blues' derby victory over Tottenham, registering seven recoveries whilst also securing four interceptions alongside his decisive assist for Joao Pedro.

Goalkeeper Sanchez declared after Pedro's first-half strike secured Chelsea maximum points: "I don't really need to talk about him but he's an actual animal. He's the best player on the planet in his position. He's one of the best in the world, who is better than him in that position? He's a beast. Every 50-50, every challenge he wins and is so composed on the ball."

Sanchez also observes that Caicedo remains the same modest, quietly-spoken individual he initially met in the canteen at Brighton whilst adapting to Premier League football.

He continued: "I haven't seen him change much. As a player and as a character, he's always been the same, hard work, effort, quiet but a very good guy.

"Obviously, he's filled out with his body a bit more with age and with experience, he's just got better and better on the pitch. His confidence has also gone higher and higher. He's a boss at winning the midfield."

Only Arsenal have netted more Premier League goals than Tottenham from corners since the start of last season but Sanchez commanded his penalty area to neutralise Spurs' set-piece danger and secure a vital clean sheet. The towering Spaniard is gradually winning over the fans as well.

He added: "I enjoyed myself. When you play for one of the world's top teams, a massive club, there's always going to be pressure when the team or you don't perform.

"Obviously, being the last line of defence, you usually get the blame, even if it's not your fault but that's the life I chose, that's what I like and I enjoy it.

"I have the confidence of my teammates, the manager and the club to keep performing as well as I am. "My initial transition into Chelsea was challenging. I arrived in a rush, only had about three days of training with a new manager, a new team and it was a bit of a struggle.

"I adjusted, then suffered a severe knee injury around Christmas which sidelined me for the rest of the season. Then I returned, got stronger, then a new manager came in again and new signings, so I had to start from scratch. Now, I'm doing well."

Chelsea's commanding performance - coupled with the 4-3 Carabao Cup victory at Wolves - was the perfect answer to last weekend's surprising 2-1 home loss to Sunderland.

Sanchez insists Enzo Maresca is thrilled with how his Club World Cup champions have rebounded. The 27 year old goalkeeper said when asked about his manager's post-match dressing room comments: "He said that it was amazing, that we had an unbelievable reaction.

"He said if we play like this every game, it's pretty hard to lose a game. The 50-50s, challenges, set-pieces, helping everyone, creating chances.

"Against Sunderland we needed to do better and just learn from it. We've struggled this week mentally but at the same time, we've pushed hard to get those three points today."