Three players who have been vital to Chelsea's success this season

When Maurizio Sarri first arrived at Stamford Bridge to take over Chelsea, he did not have the best squad. Supporters were probably expecting Manchester City to repeat their Premier League success, while Blues fans were wishing for a respectable top-four finish under new management.

To make matters worse, the club's first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left for Champions League winners Real Madrid after his World Cup commitments with Belgium in Russia.

However, the Italian has somehow managed to turn the tide in their favour. Yet to lose in England's top-flight after six matches, they currently sit joint second in the league standings, two points behind leaders Liverpool. The 59-year-old's arrival has rejuvenated the side - something Antonio Conte struggled for last year, while their prospects are looking more bright as time has passed in recent months.

Although it's still early into the campaign, it looks more likely that Chelsea could have their hands on some silverware this term with many players in great form to begin the campaign. Here's a look at three players who have been pivotal to the club's recent success:

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#3 N'Golo Kante

Kante has not lost his form since winning the World Cup with France this summer

N'Golo Kante has always been such a vital player - regardless of whether he is playing for club or country. His £30m move from Leicester City to Chelsea has proven a vital one for the Blues, who can count themselves lucky that the French midfielder has not left to join another rival club in Europe with everyone eyeing his services.

Not the most prominent player on the pitch, he remains 100% focused on his responsibilities and does all the background work for his side. Whenever his team-mates lose the ball, he finds himself well positioned to pounce on any loose balls before recycling possession.

Besides that, the 27-year-old is also exceptionally strong in his tackling and ball interception.

In just six league matches to start the new campaign, Kante has won 25 duels, recovered the ball 32 times and had a tackle success of 54%. These statistics show that he is certainly one of the busiest players on the pitch. Both Chelsea and France struggle without his presence on the pitch and at present, there is no better defensive midfielder than him either.

#2 Jorginho

Jorginho has adapted well since his £60m move

Jorginho's move to Chelsea had caught many by surprise because fans expected the Italian to join Manchester City. However, the player ultimately decided to link up with his former Napoli boss in west London.

It is still only his debut campaign in the Premier League, but Jorginho is already beginning to break records. The talented midfielder recorded the highest number of passes in a single match since the 2003/04 season when his club faced West Ham last weekend. In that game, he fulfilled an incredible 180 passes, surpassing that of Ilkay Gundogan's tally of 174.

Previously, he had already earned himself a reputation in Serie A. Fans regard him as the pass master because of the number and level of accuracy placed on his passes, over both short and longer distances.

Now in England, he is certainly living up to his reputation. Throughout the six Premier League matches that have been played thus far, the 26-year-old has been partnered alongside Kante.

The duo have established an understanding and already, Chelsea are flourishing from their midfield pairing working wonders across attack and defence. If Jorginho continues to partner Kante, they have the potential to control the midfield with ease and set the tempo in matches - which is easier said than done, not least against more difficult opposition. Their level of success could prove key in deciding whether the club are successful or not, long-term.

#1 Eden Hazard

Hazard looks to be Chelsea's star player once more this season

Following a brilliant individual goal from the man himself last night, ending Liverpool's winning streak (across all competitions), everyone is talking about Eden Hazard.

Heavily linked with a move away from London over the summer, Real Madrid were seriously interested in making a lucrative move for the Belgium international. However, the Blues managed to retain their prized asset - made even more important following Courtois' departure to Los Blancos earlier in the summer.

Without his individual excellence in the final third, it's hard to imagine Chelsea being such the unpredictable beast that they are now. After a string of impressive displays, Jamie Carragher claimed Hazard is the league's best player. With six goals and two assists in seven appearances this term, such high praise shouldn't come as a surprise with the 27-year-old appearing to be in for another productive season in attack.

When the Blues faced PAOK during their Europa League opener last Thursday, Hazard asked not to be named in the matchday squad. His decision not to play, instead earning more rest, has actually paid off. Every attacking move that the team creates seems to go through Eden, who is the side's creative hub and one benefiting from a free roam role under Sarri.

After travelling to Anfield for the Carabao Cup win, it's Chelsea's turn to host the same opponents at Stamford Bridge this weekend. This time around, Hazard is expected to start as usual and will be hoping for another chance to showcase his ability as the club's star man.