"I think this has been my best step because it's helped me grow as a player - physically and mentally as well," he explained to the Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS. "Obviously moving away from family, friends, things that you're not used to, it's difficult, but I think when you go there and just focus on football it's much easier.

"Obviously, coming from the Championship, it's a lot just a fight, and there are a lot of strong teams. But here you have got a mixture of everything: one v ones, talented players, goalscorers as well. Obviously it's known as one of the top five leagues in the world."

Whether at the heart of a back-three or in central midfield, Chalobah is impressing with his ability to read the game, win possession and launch attacks, attributes he continues to develop with the aid of a distinguished former Chelsea and France player.

"Speaking with my mentor [Claude] Makélélé, he looks after me when I'm here on loan, he says I could do more going forward," explained Chalobah. "He thinks I can drive with the ball more. So I think that was one thing that I have added to my game this season. If you know what you can do with the ball, you just have to believe in your attributes really, and when I win the ball sometimes if I can't make a pass then sometimes you can drive with the ball and get the team up the pitch. I think that is what I'm doing well."

Defending remains Chalobah's priority, but he showed against Dijon FCO in January that he's capable delivering at the other end of the pitch too, scoring the opener in a 3-2 win.

"It was an important game for us, so I was happy to score in that game," he said. "And yes, my first one of the season, so I would like more but that's for me to work on that aspect of my game!"

Chalobah's popularity was evident in the enthusiastic celebrations - led by his good mate Terem Moffi.

"I'm living with him," Chalobah explained. "I drive him to training and that and we're always talking about scoring and I've been telling him for quite a while now that the goal was needed and obviously you could see how happy he was for me as well."

The following weekend, the two pals played a central role in Lorient toppling Paris Saint-Germain, both players entering the fray in the second half to inspire a memorable 3-2 triumph.

"It was a very good game, collectively as well," Chalobah continued. "From going 2-1 down the boys have shown good resilience. I think that's something this team can show and it's important we do that every game, not just the PSGs."

Watch: Highlights of Lorient's 3-2 win over PSG

Chalobah has already made 22 appearances this season and the former English Youth Cup winner hopes the valuable experience he's gaining will enhance his chances to breaking through at his parent club Chelsea.

"Everyone knows Chelsea is a massive club," he said. "And the young players there I played with when I was young are doing well, and it's good to see, it gives me obviously the hope as well."