An emboldened N’Golo Kante is confident he can adapt to a more attacking role in Chelsea’s transformed playing style.
The France star volleyed in the opener to help new boss Maurizio Sarri commence his debut Premier League season with a 3-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
It was only the 27-year-old’s third goal in England’s top flight as he adjusted seamlessly from defensive-minded anchor to influential box-to-box contributor.
Kante has been mentally preparing for the switch since pre-season and believes his game will improve as a result.
“So, even during the holidays, we were thinking and talking about how to adapt. It will require a lot of sacrifice from us all, so that is why I have to continue moving forward as a player.
“I have worked with different managers in the past and different systems.
The former Leicester City man, who played every match in Russia, says the privilege of representing his country is “worth more than money can ever buy” and it remains a motivation for him to perform at club level.
“To represent one’s own country is one of the biggest achievements a footballer can get,” he said.
“To win the World Cup in our colours was beyond my dreams and something I will never, ever forget.
“To be able to be part of that group will stay with us until the end of our lives because we know what winning the World Cup means to us.”
Although he is predominantly known for the tactical and defensive aspect of his game – namely his ability to cut out opposing attacks, tackle opponents, and intercept passes – he is also capable of starting offensive plays after regaining possession, courtesy of his simple yet precise and efficient distribution. In April 2016 Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that “Kanté is by far the best player in the league”.
Regarding Kanté’s tenacity and stamina, compatriot Paul Pogba has said of him: “Everybody knows that N’Golo Kanté can run for 11 players – that’s his best quality”, while Kanté’s former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri commented: “This player Kanté, he was running so hard that I thought he must have a pack full of batteries hidden in his shorts. He never stopped running in training. I tell him, ‘One day, I’m going to see you cross the ball, and then finish the cross with a header yourself.’ He’s unbelievable.”[5