N'Golo Kante better in 'different role'… Maurizio Sarri has midfield sorted
CHELSEA manager Maurizio Sarri has pulled off a "masterstroke" by moving N'Golo Kante further forward.
Posted Wednesday, August 15, 2018 by Dailystar.co.uk
That is according to former Blues striker and Premier League pundit Chris Sutton.
The World Cup winner has been an integral part of Chelsea's midfield for the past two seasons.
And 2017 PFA Player of the Year Kante made the perfect start to the new campaign on Saturday.
Off the back of World Cup glory with France in Russia this summer, the 27-year-old scored Chelsea's first goal of the season in their 3-0 win at Huddersfield.
Kante had managed just three goals in his 89 first-team appearances for Chelsea before Saturday.
But it appears he could be ready to chip in more in front of goal now too.
Under Antonio Conte, Kante was used to playing in a four-man midfield, but summer signing Jorginho's inclusion has allowed the ex-Leicester star to push on.
Alongside Ross Barkley in a three-man midfield at Huddersfield, Kante flourished.
Chelsea news: N'Golo Kante made an even bigger impression playing further forward on Saturday
And Sutton feels Sarri must stick with that approach going forward this term.
"Kante's playing a slightly different role," Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Jorginho's playing as the holding midfielder, quarter-back if you like.
"Kante has been released further forward, he even scored at the weekend.
"But actually, I think that suits him in terms of if you want to play a pressing game at a high intensity, who is better at that than Kante?
"I think that's a masterstroke.
"Jorginho topped all the passing stats in the top-five European leagues last season.
"I think he's got better quality on the ball than Kante."
Mateo Kovacic is likely to replace Barkley in Chelsea's midfield following his arrival on loan from Real Madrid.
But he and Jorginho can certainly help Kante offer more in attack with the Blues adapting quickly to Sarri's philosophy.
Up next for Chelsea is a big test at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal.
Kante is fully expected to start the London derby on Saturday (5.30pm).
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