Many big decisions have been made by Chelsea this summer transfer window but not many thought selling Kante will be one of them.
Until the second last season, if you would’ve asked any fan to know who is the untouchable Chelsea FC player, Hazard was the name.
But not so far was N’Golo Kante. He was undoubtedly the man whom Chelsea could not have afford to lose after Hazard’s departure.
When Real Madrid eyeing on the recent World Cup winner was revealed, the level of outcry was very much noticeable.
The backline of Chelsea always used to get exposed in his absence. He was the ‘Shield of Chelsea’.
Still One of the Best Midfielder
On the finest forms, N’golo Kante is still one of the best midfielders in the world. He isn’t a tall guy, but rather one of the most effective and intelligent players to wear the Chelsea shirt.
The French International hasn’t received any complaints from any manager he has played under. He is a tactical genius who managed to thrive under both the system of Sarri and Conte.
The Italian midfielder can not only play as a very effective defensive midfielder but also as an “8”. No other player in Chelsea has provided a huge amount of interceptions than him.
He might be shy outside football ground but has shown enough shreds of evidence in taking responsibilities during moments of pressure. Apart from his defensive qualities, he is quite efficient in the build-up and in clinical finishing too.
Kante is just 29 years of age. He still has a lot to provide for Chelsea. He has zero intention to leave Stamford bridge but according to the speculations, Lampard is ready to offload him.
The fan-favorite Kante has collected ten Player of the Year awards in just his first three seasons for the Blues. He was quick in adapting to the new position he was asked to grow with a new role.
Undue Credits
He was tasked to transplant the youngsters high up the pitch this season for pressing the opponents and making forward runs passes.
Credit must be given to him for giving up his deep-lying position without much fuss and shouldering a portion of goal-creating duties. He was always enthusiastic to embrace and accept the challenge of repurposing his abilities at 29.
Focussing on the overall situation of Chelsea’s season and being aware of the ever-present discomposure of Jorginho’s defensive frailties, there haven’t been many opportunities to check-in on just how well Kante has risen to his new challenge.
For this, we need to divorce ourselves from the painful and frustrating memories of the horrid plays. He should be plucked from the muck of this season so as to view him in isolation. There, we can notice his fluorescence more clearly.
How things have changed in a few seasons that a Chelsea fanbase section might no longer oppose the idea of selling him. His form is undoubtedly becoming something to debate. But looking at Real Madrid’s Luka Modric’s revival at 32, he has more to give to Chelsea and Lampard can certainly use him in big games as a press resistance.
As thrilling as modern football is, as unique in build-up play, as immense in quality, players like Kante are rare and worth appreciating for what they do.
The French International’s caliber is such that he can adapt to positions comfortably without any reason for an injured player’s absence.
Certainly, he has been out of shape last season but there are enough good reasons to keep him in the squad.
