Mauricio Pochettino has hailed the influence of Ben Chilwell in Chelsea’s victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

Chilwell started his first Chelsea game in many months during the 6-1 win, after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old also captained the Blues, before his substitution later in the second half.

Pochettino said of Chilwell: “It is really good because he is one of our captains. But of course, with him, we haven’t had him for the whole season and now it is another period for him to cope for 90 minutes.

“We know what we are doing and today he added the experience and quality.

“I am happy to recover this kind of player because we are going to get the benefit.”