December 29, 2024
Sports

Eden Hazard reveals the one drawback to NGolo Kantes new role at Chelsea

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EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Zemanek/BPI/REX (10019130ds) N'Golo Kante of Chelsea celebrates with Eden Hazard of Chelsea after FT Chelsea v Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Stamford Bridge, London, UK - 08 Dec 2018
The Frenchman is playing in a more advanced position this season (Picture: Getty)

Eden Hazard admits NGolo Kante is not ideally suited to playing as the most advanced of Chelseas three central midfielders, though is confident he can grow into the role.

The World Cup winner has been moved out of his usual defensive midfield position by new manager Maurizio Sarri and played in a more attack-minded role.

That paid dividends against Manchester City, where he opened the scoring, though many fans have questioned whether his defensive abilities are being wasted, especially with Jorginho looking rather lightweight at the base of the midfield.

Kante grabbed his second goal of the season against City (Picture: Getty)

While Hazard admits Kantes lack of creative nous is one drawback of the new role, he says Sarri is working with the midfielder to help him adapt.

I think Kante is happy to play anywhere. Even goalkeeper, he would be happy, Hazard told RMC when asked about the Frenchmans new role.

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Before, [Claudio] Ranieri and [Antonio] Conte asked from him different things. Now Sarri asks for something else from him.

NGolo is known as someone who recovers possession. He is not the best game creator, NGolo has less of that in his blood.

Sarri is adamant Kante will not play as the holding midfielder (Picture: Getty)

But he talks with Sarri in training, he sees very well what the coach expects from him. He is intelligent on the field, he will adapt to all situations.

Hazard set up both of Chelseas goals in Saturdays 2-0 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, inflicting the champions first Premier League defeat of the season.

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