Frank Lampard puts N’Golo Kante among football’s elite as Chelsea boss laments Frenchman’s injuries

Frank Lampard has labelled N’Golo Kante as ‘one of the best players in the world’ as the Chelsea boss has lamented the influential Frenchman’s absence at spells this season. 

Since arriving at Leicester in 2015, Kante has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, impressing with his relentless energy and drive from the engine room for the Foxes and Chelsea, as well as for his international side. 

However, the World Cup winner and two-time Premier League champion has endured an injury-hit season, leaving a gaping hole in Lampard’s midfield. 

Frank Lampard has labelled Chelsea's N'Golo Kante as one of the best players in world football

Frank Lampard has labelled Chelsea's N'Golo Kante as one of the best players in world football

Frank Lampard has labelled Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante as one of the best players in world football

The Chelsea midfielder has been an influential figure in his four seasons at Stamford Bridge

The Chelsea midfielder has been an influential figure in his four seasons at Stamford Bridge

The Chelsea midfielder has been an influential figure in his four seasons at Stamford Bridge

Kante has been out since February with an adductor issue picked up against Manchester United, but Lampard is hopeful that the coronavirus-inflicted suspension of football will allow for Kante to recover in time for the proposed resumption of play. 

‘We had four or five of those (injured players) when we finished playing recently,’ he told BT Sport

‘N’Golo Kante is obviously a great example because he’s played four or five incredible seasons in terms of his individual success and he’s been used quite rightly by his managers a lot

However, Kante has endured a season full of torrid injuries and has missed out for Chelsea

However, Kante has endured a season full of torrid injuries and has missed out for Chelsea

However, Kante has endured a season full of torrid injuries and has missed out for Chelsea

‘This season he’s played only about 40% of our games and even then it’s been difficult for him and I’ve really felt for him on an individual level. He’s been a huge miss for us.

‘Looking forward, whenever a restart comes we want to get him in the best shape, want to get Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the best shape.

‘We’ve had slightly different plans for them but they’ve been scuppered with what we’ve had to do. The players’ health comes first, the mental well-being of the players comes first.

Lampard told BT Sport Kante has been a big loss and hopes he can return for Project Restart

Lampard told BT Sport Kante has been a big loss and hopes he can return for Project Restart

Lampard told BT Sport Kante has been a big loss and hopes he can return for Project Restart

‘We obviously need N’Golo Kante back in our team, one of the best players in the world. I knew that before I became manager of Chelsea and know that now from working with him.

‘I haven’t been able to have him much this year and going forward we, of course, want him fit and raring to go.’

Chelsea sit in fourth place as the Premier League looks to find a way to ensure the season can safely resume amid the coronavirus crisis. No football has been played since mid-March.  

 

 

 

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