Scolari aims to get more out of Anelka

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has described Nicolas Anelka as one of the best players in the world, insisting there is more to come from the striker who has led the attack this season.

Anelka has struck four times this season but Scolari has been equally satisfied with the France international being involved in 10 goals in his lone striker role in the absence of Didier Drogba.

Scolari is desperate for Anelka to overcome a slight muscle problem to face Aston Villa when their proud unbeaten home run will be tested by Martin O’Neill’s men.

The 29-year-old, dubbed the Incredible Sulk for his moody manner, is a character Scolari needs to encourage to find his best form.

“Anelka is one of the best players in the world. But he is a man who is very quiet – in the warm-up and the dressing room and outside in life,” the Chelsea boss said.

“You never hear anything about Anelka. He is not a man who shocks and show great emotions.

“He is very cool. If he plays well, he’s okay. If he doesn’t play very well, he’s okay.”

Scolari is relishing the challenge of getting the best out of the former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker.

“I need to say some things to him, to think about his life because he is one of the best players in the world,” Scolari said.

“Not every day, but special days like before games or at half-time – to tell him a philosophy or idea.

“I would say that he will get three chances because of this or that. It’s a relationship of a player and coach.

“Sometimes he needs....something. It’s not a problem but he is a player that maybe if I say some words different words for him maybe he will improve.

“It’s a very good challenge for me. If we win together then fantastic. So far he has done a good job for us and can get better.”

Captain John Terry has described Anelka as a new player since Scolari’s arrival in the summer. The boss himself puts the new confidence down to a prolonged run in the team.

“He has been playing more than before and has more confidence,” Scolari said.

“He makes goals for us, it started in pre-season in Asia and Russia, and now in our Premier League games.

“It is the best (player for creating chances) for us so far – 10 goals in 13 games. It is very good. Playing more is good for him and he is making goals for France which is good for him.”

As well as Anelka’s knock, Terry, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and Alex have been carrying slight injuries but Scolari is confident they will be fit to face Villa.

He was already without Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien before losing Drogba this week.

Scolari is also wary of Villa’s young English players such Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Nigel Reo-Coker.

“When I was in Portugal I saw them play for the Under-21s,” he said. “They played very well.”