Chelsea have been a relentless force in all competitions under manager Jose Mourinho this season. A sizeable six-point lead at the summit of the English Premier League standings over titleholders Manchester City has already triggered pundits boldly declaring the title race is as good done, despite only being December. Europe has also proven to be comfortable for the Blues, securing top spot of their group with a game to spare.

And while much of the praise for Chelsea’s impressive start to the campaign has been attributed to the likes of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard – and rightly so – defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic has also been equally as consistent.

The 26-year-old was brought back to Stamford Bridge at the beginning of the year for around £21 million, after spells in the Netherlands with Vitesse and more notably Portugal – with Benfica. His time in the Lisbon-based club saw Matic establish himself as a consummate footballer, excelling in the defensive midfield role and redefining his game.

At the West London outfit, the ever-dependable Matic has not received the plaudits he deserves for fulfilling the role asked of his coach. The Serbian has been indispensable to Mourinho, not only featuring in every possible match this campaign, but has completed the full 90 minutes in all 14 Premier League matches so far, as well as in the Champions League – finishing all five matches too.

An influential cog in a well-oiled machine, Matic’s ability to act as a screen in front of the back four has not only enabled more defensive protection, but has unleashed his fellow central partner (in the two-man pivot). That man is Fabregas, allowed to venture further forward and join the attack, complementing a well-balanced side. This tactical situation is not dissimilar to the way he played at Benfica. Matic would perform the more dynamic, hard-working midfielder, which would permit Enzo Perez to express himself in a more advanced position. Now at Chelsea the defensive midfielder’s ability to snuff out any danger is a joy to watch and in doing so regains possession so quickly and effectively for his team.

Additionally to Matic’s resolute attributes he also possesses an apt passing range and according to Squawka has an average passing accuracy of 89%. This aspect of his game has perhaps gone unnoticed by the football community and has perhaps been taken for granted, but he truly is one of the reasons why the Blues appear impenetrable. He has also shown he can emerge to score the important goal as well. Against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League Matic’s solitary header was the difference between the two teams, while he also rescued a point – saving Chelsea’s blushes – scoring the equaliser against Maribor.

If the Blues are to win the Premier League and go deep in Europe, some of the credit will have to go the Serbian talisman. Matic will not care if the media are not talking about him or are. Rather like all unsung heroes, they just go about their business and as long as they are valued by their manager, essentially that is all that really matters.