Malouda pleased with form

But the Frenchman is aware that he faces intense competition to retain a place in the Blues’ first team.

“Every player who joins Chelsea knows there will be competition,” Malouda said in the Evening Standard.

“When you have ambitions to go far in every competition you must have a strong squad so there is naturally competition and everybody is ready for that.

“That’s our job and we train hard to prove to the manager we deserve to play and to make sure we stay in the team.”

He added: “Last season I was performing really well. I had a stronger season so I’m still progressing and I’m close to my highest level.”