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Chelsea news: ‘Maurizio Sarri has got more out of him than Antonio Conte ever did’
CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri has got more out of N’Golo Kante than any of his previous managers have.
Chelsea: Sarri justified in Kante positioning says Marcotti
That is according to former Arsenal and Everton striker turned pundit Kevin Campbell.
Kante has played in a slightly different role at Chelsea under Sarri this season.
The Frenchman occupied the central defensive midfield role in his first two campaigns at Stamford Bridge when Antonio Conte was in charge.
However, Sarri brought Jorginho with him from Napoli and the Italy international has taken that spot in the team.
You can get other bits from him that probably other people haven’t seen
Kante has been moved to the right of a midfield three, a decision by Sarri that has received criticism.
The 27-year-old scored in the 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday, his second goal of the season.
That already doubles the tally Kante scored in Conte’s final campaign in charge of the club.
And Campbell says that attacking side of Kante’s play is something Sarri has extracted by moving his position this season.
“Being on the right of Jorginho I think actually offers great balance to Chelsea,” Campbell said on Sky Sports.
“He’s doubled his goal tally, which is another tick in the right box.
“But look at the work he’s doing, he’s protecting Azpilicueta as well as a right-back.
“He will always get back and look at the touches he has had in and around the box.
“For me, Sarri’s used his brain a little bit and gone about this the smart way and thought ‘how can I get maximum output from Kante?’.
“Maybe he’s not as good on the ball as Jorginho.
“But you can get other bits from him that probably other people haven’t seen.”
Kante is likely to be rested for Chelsea's Europa League clash against Vidi on Thursday.
The Blues have already confirmed top spot in Group L.