Thomas Tuchel says N’Golo Kanté is still a significant part of Chelsea’s project and and the club will to have his back even as he struggles for fitness and form this season.
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Kanté, 31, has endured a season plighted by injuries, making 20 Premier League starts and has been in and out of the squad lately.
Speaking about Kanté’s future after the draw with Leicester City on Thursday evening, Thomas Tuchel said: “I think he is our key, key player but key, key players have to be on the pitch and he only plays 40% of games. He is our Mohamed Salah, van Dijk. He is our Kylian Mbappé.”
When asked about the player’s fitness issues, which has kept him out of a good percentage of Chelsea’s games this season, Tuchel answered: “This is huge for us to solve. I don’t play him but it’s a fact we miss him a lot and he brings something unqiue in world football. He can lift everybody up and make the difference.”
“Last year, I think in the last five matches of the Champions League they handed him the trophy [Man of the match]. I think they handed it to him even before the match. Big teams need this. It’s why everyone loves to play with him.”
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Kanté was substituted in the 72nd minute of the 1-1 draw with his former club, Leicester City, in what was only his second appearance since starting in the draw against Manchester United at the Stamford Bridge last month.
Tuchel continue, “He is one of the very best midfielders in the world. Because he is not in the spotlight, he is even more important for the team. He has the mentality of a water carrier and this makes the difference.”
“I can only repeat myself. He can make the difference but he can only make the difference on the pitch and at the top level, this is our target for him.” He added.
Kanté’s current Chelsea contract ends next summer and the club will be looking to tie him down in order not to lose him for free should interests persist next summer.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
