However, he says the August arrival from Aston Villa still has another level he can reach.
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Ahead of tonight's visit to Manchester United, Howe said: "That was his best game for us, against Chelsea. Athletically, very good and some of the numbers he produced in that game were elite in terms of the benchmark for midfielders so I think that's a great sign.
"The challenge for JJ has been, since his injury at Leeds where he twisted his ankle, he had momentum then and had to start all over again. I think he's just returning to his very best levels.
"I think the next step for him is to start impacting in the final third with goals and assists."