Andre Villas-Boas has praised youthful new signing Oriol Romeu after an impressive display in Chelsea’s Carling Cup victory over Fulham this week.

"He had an amazing game," the Chelsea boss said. "His ability to receive the ball is something out of this world."

The defensive midfielder, 19, was snapped up by Villas-Boas after graduating from the Barcelona youth academy, and now looks likely to make his debut Premier League start against Swansea tomorrow (Saturday).

"Oriol was extraordinarily composed with the ball, receiving it straight from the goalkeeper under pressure, as you saw it," Villas-Boas commented.

"It shows the school where he was formed was fantastic. And it shows he can play his part in the Premier League."

Romeu moved to Chelsea from Spain last month on a four-year contract.