Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has defended the performances of Tiemoue Bakayoko, while acknowledging that the summer signing has a "lot of space for improvement".

Since moving to the Blues from Monaco, Bakayoko has made 17 appearances in all competitions, but the midfielder has been criticised for his lack of consistency.

However, Conte has insisted that it is "normal" for the 23-year-old to still have work to do in order to justify his price-tag of £40m.

The 48-year-old told reporters: "Bakayoko is a player very young. He is only 23. For many reasons he played a lot of games and for sure he needs to improve with the tactical aspect and our idea of football.

"For a young player to play regularly, I think he is playing well, it is normal you can alternate a good performance with one not so good. He is working well and I am very happy for his commitment and his behaviours. He has a lot of space for improvement."

Bakayoko could feature when Chelsea face Swansea City in West London on Wednesday night.