Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has credited manager Frank Lampard with improving his attacking game.

The Croatia international endured a mixed campaign under Maurizio Sarri last term, being impressive at times but failing to score a single goal and providing only two assists in the Premier League.

Kovacic has already looked more threatening going forward this season, culminating in an excellent performance – and assist for Tammy Abraham’s winner – in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Norwich.

And the former Real Madrid man, who moved to Stamford Bridge permanently this summer, has explained that Lampard’s system has allowed him to push forward more regularly.

‘I’m a Chelsea player now, so I feel better about that,’ Kovacic said. ‘Last year was only a loan. I feel better and more confident than last year. It makes me feel more relaxed, as last year was difficult and I needed to prove myself.

‘Last year was also good, not perfect. This year I started well and I hope to continue like that. I am missing some part of my game and I can improve and get better, but I think it will come for sure.

‘Lampard gives me more freedom and I can take the ball and go forward. I feel good. I have a good connection with the coach and all the team. We can change positions. We are aggressive. We are doing well but it is only one month with the coach, so we can improve.’

While Kovacic enjoyed a positive relationship with Sarri last season, he believes Lampard’s status as a club great can only benefit Chelsea going forward.

‘Last season was also a good connection with the coach,’ the midfielder added. ‘It was also a good year, last year. The connection is good [with Lampard]. The fans love him and so do the players. He is young and he understands us. We have a good connection with the coach.

‘I feel better and more confident than last year. It is really important [that we got the result] because I think we started very well, in terms of playing. The results were not perfect but we played well. Today, we needed the three points more than a beautiful game. We did well and we won. Everything was perfect.’

Chelsea will be looking to build on their success at Carrow Road when Sheffield United visit Stamford Bridge this weekend.