Midfielder Pires took time to settle at Arsenal but went on to pick up two Premier League titles, while winger Malouda has also taken a year to get into his stride.
Jose Mourinho's departure from Chelsea and injuries denied the 28-year-old a consi
stent run last season but he is now a fixture in Luiz Felipe Scolari's team and has started the past six matches.
The comparison with Pires is something the former Lyon player welcomes, saying: "Maybe it is like that. I hope like Robert Pires that we win a lot of titles.
"I prepared really hard for this season. Last season, sometimes I was playing, sometimes I was not. I had my first bad year. I knew when I came to England that the first year would be difficult.
"When the new coach arrived he told me he wanted to help me get back to my best level. That is what you are seeing now. I hope the best is to come.
"Last season was weird because I started well, there were changes in the team and I was injured in November and December.
"I came back, played a lot and then didn't play. But I never thought about leaving because I came here and signed a four-year deal.
"I came here to stay and try to reach level where I'm in the team and have an importance in the team.
"I worked hard for this. I'm really happy in Chelsea and have the confidence of the lads, the board and everybody."
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