Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante delighted to play ‘best’ role under Thomas Tuchel in a ‘double six’

The Frenchman returned to form in the draw with Manchester United and feels at home as part of a ‘double six’

Jack Rathborn
Wednesday 03 March 2021 08:04 EST
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Thomas Tuchel embraces N’Golo Kante
Thomas Tuchel embraces N’Golo Kante (Getty)

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N’Golo Kante admits he is now playing in his favourite role at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel in a ‘double six’.

The French midfielder has played twice alongside Mateo Kovacic in two Premier League starts under the German coach in his 3-4-3 system, and impressed in the draw with Manchester United last weekend at Stamford Bridge.

Now fully fit again after an injury at the turn of the year, Kante will hope to retain his place in the starting line-up ahead of Jorginho.

And the 29-year-old believes he is currently able to offer his best in a role he is most comfortable in.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel ready to step out of Jurgen Klopp’s shadow and finally silence the noise

“It’s a position I have played many times,” Kante told the Chelsea website. “Here, at Leicester and in the national team.

“It’s not only the best way for me to play but for the team. It is good for me to play with someone who stays when I go forward, or I stay when he goes forward.”

Kante has admitted to frustration at time out due to injury, but insists he has learned from the experience.

“When you play constantly, many games in a row, you think it’s normal,” Kante added. “When injury comes, you play two weeks, and then you get injured, it’s not the best. You don’t feel like you are giving the best to the club or your team-mates.

“You can learn from these times to appreciate more the time you are fit, when you can play and train with your team-mates.

“When I have been injured it’s a period of reflection of what you can do better. I realise now it’s better to take more time to recover. I speak with the medical staff to get the best out of me for the team. This is something I have learned.

“I am happy now to feel good. We have played so many games in a short time, so injury can come back, but we try to prevent more injuries. I have learned when you are not ready, take more time because that will help the team more.”

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