Chelsea defender Axel Disasi says he drew comparisons to Stamford Bridge legend Marcel Desailly during the early chapters of his career.

The former Monaco man completed a £38million switch to west London earlier this week and now he’s determined to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI

“My first coach said you are like Marcel Desailly and it’s also similar to my name,” Disasi said.

“Desailly, Disasi, they’re a little bit the same, so the people say you are like Desailly and he was a good player, a great player of the French national team and for Chelsea also.”

Disasi was part of the France squad that reached the World Cup final in Qatar.

He also captained Monaco during various parts of last season as his stock continued to rise.

The 25-year-old can operate at both centre-back and right-back and will help provide competition for the likes of Levi Colwill and Thiago Silva as Chelsea seek to return to the Champions League.

The player has also told supporters what they can expect when he takes to the field, adding: “I’m a defender who likes to properly look for the ball and win it back.

“The best way of anticipating the opposition player’s move is by being in the best position possible.

“I like to have the ball at my feet and play passes. I like interceptions, and I like to be aggressive with the opposition, to use my physicality.

“When I was younger, I started as an attacker. When I got bigger, I moved back. As a professional I have played left-back, right or left centre-back or in a three, and with the national team at the World Cup at right-back.

“I like full-back too because it allows me to play more with the ball. I like to be offensively minded, and I can score goals.”

Tags: Axel Disasi, Chelsea, Marcel Desaill