Is Kante nearing his long-awaited return?
The Frenchman has not been fit since injuring his hamstring in August in a feisty London derby with Tottenham Hotspur. The indomitable destroyer has been sorely missed as Chelsea desperately languish in midtable and face the daunting prospect of failing to qualify for European football next season.
However, the 53-cap international is reportedly nearing his return and has been touted as being able to form the perfect midfield duo with fellow World Cup champion, Fernandez. The Argentine was signed for a record Premier League transfer fee and the idea of a partnership with Kante could be the difference maker for Chelsea to save their season.
What has Simon Phillips said?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said:
“Having him alongside Enzo Fernández would do wonders for Enzo. It will allow him to play a lot freer knowing he’s got Kanté there alongside him winning the ball back and putting the tackles in and putting in the hard work so he can be the creative spark.
“I think that’d be a really good partnership. Let’s just hope that he can stay fit.”
Kante to rescue Chelsea’s disastrous season?
Since joining Leicester City in 2015, Kante has been one of England’s most consistent and effective players.
The two-time Premier League winner clinched consecutive titles with the Foxes and the Blues, and recorded the most tackles and interceptions during his first season abroad.
The £290k-per-week machine has also won five other trophies in west London, as well as being named as man of the match in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League final victory over Manchester City in which he completely silenced the creative influences of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.
Despite being sidelined for over six months, the 31-year-old has accumulated a match rating of 7.20 this campaign, the highest in the Blues squad, as per WhoScored. This is a glowing reflection of his evergreen quality and undeniable importance to the team.
His experience, calibre, and busyness would undoubtedly serve as an excellent learning curve for Fernandez, whilst also allowing the 22-year-old to showcase the more offensive side of his game.
The former Benfica ace has made a solid start to his Chelsea career but Kante could be the ingredient to take Fernandez’s game to an untameable next level.
Once described as “magic” on talkSPORT by Ally McCoist, Chelsea manager Graham Potter will be counting down the days until the return of the 2018 World Cup winner.
source: thisisfutbol.com
