Even after their disappointing loss at Anfield, Maurizio Sarri could take many positives due to the fighting spirit he saw from his Chelsea players on Sunday.
However, the biggest takeaway from his side should be how he should build his midfield line solely around N’Golo Kante and not Jorginho.
Indeed, it was the Frenchman who stole the show in midfield. While Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek ran ragged, the industrious Kante never lost his momentum. He moved forward with vigour, tormented his opponents with his unlimited energy while always looking to win possession and get the ball forward.
Kante fulfilled the role of two midfielders himself, acting as a ball-winner as well as the driving force for the Blues. The shades of his old brilliance under former management could be noticed in that dogged display. However, it’ll all go to waste unless Sarri realizes how he needs to play the Frenchman in his best position.
Even after playing in an encouraging role, Kante made 6 ball recoveries, 3 tackles and interceptions, while also completing for dribbles to take the ball forward. His distribution was sublime, as he maintained an 81% passing accuracy (stats via Fotmob) but couldn’t give that killer pass mostly because he’s not equipped for such.
What Kante is equipped for is the ability to be Chelsea’s spirited engine in midfield. Jorginho’s involvement often takes away his fuel and if Sarri desire sustained success, he needs to reinstate the unrelenting Frenchman in his natural role of being Chelsea’s uncontested midfield general.
Chelsea fans, do you think Kante should play in Jorginho’s role more often? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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