Burnley boss Sean Dyche backs Steven Defour to shine in Premier League this season after Chelsea win

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Sean Dyche feels Burnley's Belgian midfielder Steven Defour is fitter and more equipped for life in the Premier League after a full pre-season with the club.

Twelve months ago the Clarets seemed to have pulled off a significant coup when they signed Defour, who was once admired by Manchester United, from Anderlecht upon their return to the top flight.

However, despite showing glimpses of his quality, Defour made just 16 Premier League starts, only one of which came after January, when the midfielder had offered no guarantees about his long-term future at Turf Moor.

Stephen Defour helped Burnley to victory over Chelsea in Saturday's Premier League opener

Defour assisted Sam Vokes for Burnley's third goal to give the visitors a 3-0 lead at half-time

But the 29-year-old Belgium international has remained in Lancashire and on Saturday starred in a shock 3-2 win over champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After Gary Cahill was dismissed early on, Burnley took advantage and went into half-time with a shock 3-0 lead at Stamford Bridge, with Defour assisting Sam Vokes for Burnley's third.  

In quotes published in the Lancashire Telegraph, Dyche said after the win: 'There's no guarantees but he looks like he's fitter, he's adapted better, he understands the tempo of the game better and that it's physically demanding, particularly here; they (Chelsea) have got some very powerful players, they're a big, athletic side.

'We know he can play, his ball for the goal is absolutely fantastic, so we know that. I think he's mentally adapting as well.

Manager Sean Dyche has backed the Belgian to be a crucial part of Burnley's survival hopes

And he has based his predictions around the fact Defour has experienced a 'full pre-season'

'Even with all his experience the Premier League is a different animal. We've all seen it with players coming to the Premier League, some adapt quicker but for some it takes time, so we're hoping he continues building on his own performances and that it's effective for us.

'The challenge is right there. It was tough last season, over the summer you get a break and a chance to look at things. He's taken it on.'

Burnley and Defour will be looking to follow up their historic victory at Stamford Bridge when Turf Moor hosts its first home game of the season against West Brom on Saturday.