Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko relishing the chance to emulate former mentor Claude Makelele

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The prospect of emulating former mentor Claude Makelele is driving Tiemoue Bakayoko's early days as a Chelsea player following his summer move from Monaco. 

Bakayoko's admiration of Makelele goes far beyond simply an appreciation of the former Chelsea midfielder's playing talents, though. The pair were together at Monaco, with Bakayoko a promising midfielder signed from Rennes and Makelele taking the role of technical director.

Makelele, now on Swansea's coaching staff, made it a personal mission to help Bakayoko develop, with the 23-year-old midfielder excited to now have the chance to follow in the footsteps of his mentor, who turned out for Chelsea for five years from 2003 to 08. 

 Tiemoue Bakayoko has made an impressive start to life as a Chelsea player following his move

The chance to follow in the footsteps of Claude Makelele is one which excites Bakayoko

'Claude sought me out immediately and told me he believed in me, counted on me, and what I had to work on so I could offer more on the pitch,' Bakayoko told the Guardian.

'I knew the glittering career he'd had as one of the best midfielders in the world, so it was important to take on board every word he told me. Over time I felt I did improve as a player, and a lot of that was down to Claude. He still helps me now that I am here in England.

'Everyone has targets, and we all have to set ourselves these objectives and push the boundaries of what we can achieve. 

Bakayoko celebrates with Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill after scoring against Qarabag

'Claude Makelele is an example to aspire to. So to have the chance to follow in his footsteps here at Chelsea is a real motivation.'

As well as the chance to follow on from Makelele, Chelsea itself has always had a pull over the young midfielder. 

'Since I started playing football I've always dreamed about playing for certain clubs. Chelsea was certainly one of those. When I was little I was inspired by Didier Drogba, and my family always spoke to me about Makelele, so Chelsea's always been a club that attracted me.' 

Bakayoko has played nine games for Chelsea to date, with his first goal coming in the 6-0 victory over Qarabag in September. 

Bakayoko, pictured in training with Chelsea team-mate David Luiz on Friday afternoon