Chelsea signed Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco in the summer (Picture: Getty)

Tiemoue Bakayoko has the potential to become an ‘exceptional player’ for Chelsea, according to Ray Wilkins.

France international Bakayoko scored his first Premier League goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday but was unable to prevent the hosts from securing a shock 2-1 victory.

Having impressed for Ligue 1 champions Monaco last season, Bakayoko arrived at Stamford Bridge with a big reputation and has adjusted well to his new surroundings.

Wilkins is critical of the current Chelsea squad but believes Bakayoko is a player who can enhance his reputation over the coming years.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Blues assistant manager said: ‘I think the squad is weaker [this season], if I’m honest.

Crystal Palace secured a shock 2-1 victory over the reigning champions (Picture: Getty)

‘We’ve replaced [Nemanja] Matic with Bakayoko. I think in the coming years he will be an exceptional player because he has that stature and that ability.

‘Matic had that know-how and knew exactly how to play in that position and I think Bakayoko is still growing in that situation.’

Chelsea replaced Diego Costa with Alvaro Morata over the summer and the former Real Madrid striker has made an instant impact, scoring seven goals in nine appearances.

But Wilkins says he would still rather have Costa in his side and also claimed back-up striker Michy Batshuayi was not at the level required.

Ray Wilkins wishes Diego Costa was still part of Antonio Conte’s squad (Picture: Getty)

‘Morata has done very well up front indeed but for me he’s no Diego Costa,’ Wilkins added.

‘Now we’ve lost him [to injury] we’re having to rely on Batshuayi, who on Saturday was a bit of a liability. His movement is almost null and void, it has to be first-class up front for Chelsea.’

Chelsea, who won the league by seven points last season, are currently fifth in the table, nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Conte’s depleted side face Italian outfit Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday night before taking on Watford, who stunned Arsenal with a late comeback at Vicarage Road over the weekend.

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