Alan Smith column: N’Golo Kante’s return to form bodes well for Chelsea FC as they seek hero status

Champions League - Semi Final First Leg - Real Madrid v Chelsea
REUTERS
Alan Smith7 May 2021

Do you remember when Maurizio Sarri started playing N'Golo Kante on the right of a three-man midfield? Chelsea's manager got completely slaughtered.

Why, people asked (including myself), would you play one of the world's best anchormen out of position?

Kante had been sensational as a central shield in Leicester's title win, breaking up play beautifully before passing the ball on simply. He had then moved to Chelsea and been brilliant again as a holding midfielder when Antonio Conte's side ended up on top.

So why change things now? What on earth was Sarri doing? Well, not many are questioning Thomas Tuchel these days when he also deploys Kante in a more attacking role, as he did so successfully against Real Madrid.

That's what winning does for you. It silences the critics. And it also tends to help when the player in question enjoys an absolute stormer to dispel any doubts.

A key man in both goals, the little Frenchman confirmed he is back to his best during Tuesday's Champions League semi-final. Thanks to exceptional anticipation, Kante was able to pinch back possession in some dangerous areas. And having done so, his creative side kicked into gear. This wasn't the Kante of old, the one happy to sit there and watch others do the damage. He wanted a piece of the action in the final third.

Without question, the zip has returned following a spell when he wasn't influencing games in his normal way. He didn't look as sharp in getting to the ball. Had the appetite waned? Were his legs giving out? You started to wonder, in fact, if the midfielder's best days now lay in the past.

As it is, the 30-year-old looks as hungry as ever, which represents fantastic news for Tuchel and the team going into a period of games that could make heroes of them all.

Chelsea v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg Two
Chelsea FC via Getty Images

This clash between the Champions League finalists will be partly billed as a dress rehearsal, a chance for both managers to suss each other out. For Pep Guardiola, though, it is much more than that. A win would confirm City as Premier League champions, as the best team by far in the title race.

They have set standards few others could hope to emulate and Tuchel will know Chelsea have a long way to go before getting near. That said, the German coach hasn't just proved himself a master at devising solid strategies, he has shown an ability to draw the best out of players.

Kante is certainly one those. The modest, diminutive figure once mistaken for an academy trialist at Leicester is reminding us once more of his rare gifts.

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