Soccer-Tuchel underscores Kante's influence at Chelsea

(Reuters) - Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said it was a "miracle" they were set to finish third in the league given they have played much of the season without N'Golo Kante, comparing the France midfielder to the likes of Paris St Germain pair Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Kante made only his 20th Premier League start in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Leicester City, a result which effectively sealed third spot ahead of their final game against relegated Watford on Sunday.

"I think he is our key, key, key player," Tuchel told reporters. "But key, key, key players need to be on the pitch and he has played only 40% of the games, so it is maybe a miracle that we arrive in third place.

"He is our Mo Salah, he is our Van Dijk, he is our De Bruyne, he is our Neymar, he is our Kylian Mbappe."

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