Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has lavished praise on Nemanja Matic following his man-of-the-match performance during the 2-1 win at Liverpool.

The Portuguese described the Serbia international as a giant, referring to both his stature and his imposing presence on the playing field.

"He is the best player," the Blues boss told reporters.

"He was signed in the most difficult market. Which is for the players who are coming in mid-season, so the last half of the season was for him to improve, not adaptation, as he was a Chelsea player before, but to improve.

"At this moment he is a giant, not for his size but for the way he plays. The man is a giant."

Chelsea's win at Liverpool maintains their four-point advantage over second-placed Southampton at the top of the Premier League.