The drop-off in form of N’Golo Kante has been a factor behind Chelsea losing consistency this season, according to Thomas Tuchel – who still thinks the midfielder can bring unique qualities to the team.
Kante has been a standout player for Chelsea ever since joining them from Leicester City in 2016. However, this season has not been as positive for the 31-year-old.
A few injuries and illnesses have kept him out for a combined total of 12 games this season, at various points. There is a feeling it may all come back to the busy schedule that European and world champions Chelsea have been facing.
But Tuchel cannot give an answer either way. Instead, he insists Kante is a “unique” player that they must make the most of when he is available.
He replied: “I can honestly not answer the question. It can be an ongoing debate and nobody will know.
“N’Golo is a key player and has outstanding qualities. He can give things to a team no one else can.
“He struggles this season due to injuries and illness. This is a reason for some of our consistency, of course.
“At the moment, he is fasting due to his religion and belief. He is not doing it for the first time but if you do not eat or drink for many days during the day, it can be an effect.
“But maybe it’s part of the explanation of maybe why we had the feeling he is not on his highest level.
“He is a key player with unique qualities. So we try to help him because we know what we have when he is on the pitch.”
Tuchel was speaking on the back of consecutive defeats, to Brentford and Real Madrid, for Chelsea. Next up is an away match against Southampton on Saturday.
They will be hoping to get back to winning ways to strengthen their grip on third place. Currently, they are five points
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