Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is hopeful N’Golo Kante will re-establish himself as a regular starter for Chelsea despite the Frenchman being plagued by injury problems the last few seasons but was still able to offer a reminder of his ability with an excellent midfield display in the Blues’ win at Anfield.
Kante’s performance led Tuchel to say Kante’s game is still full of physical intensity despite his fitness issues.
“It was clear from the first second in training what this guy is capable of doing,” Tuchel said.
“It’s unbelievable to see his intensity in the physical report after matches – we think that they maybe tracked two people and put it into one sheet.
“It’s unbelievable what he delivers in terms of intensity and in terms of ball recoveries.
“It is world class – the highest level – and I am very happy that he is in our squad.”
The Chelsea boss accepts that Kante needs to be managed carefully in view of the injuries he has sustained.
Although the German tactician has other midfield options in Jorginho – who started alongside Kante at Anfield – and Mateo Kovacic, Tuchel hopes Kante has turned a corner following a difficult spell in his career.
“He comes (back) from injury and he will now not play in all games for 90 minutes,” Tuchel said.
“We have to manage him. We do this together with our physical coaches and we have to take care of him.
“But this is momentum and I hope we will be able to rely on him in every game.
“I’m very happy to have him, Kova and Jorginho in defensive midfield. This is exactly the level we need to win games.”