N’Golo Kante played a starring role as Chelsea beat Huddersfield in our Premier League opener on Saturday.
Kante played a more advanced role in a midfield three with Jorginho sitting in front of the defence and former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham believes having Kante press higher up the pitch will afford Jorginho time on the ball.
“N’Golo [Kante] played much higher than usual — and took his goal really well,” Higginbotham wrote in his column for The Sun.
“Our heat map shows the difference from last season.
“But the French star is not there to contribute 10 goals.
“More than anything, being more advanced helps Chelsea with the high press.
“Kante’s energy levels are so good that having him on one side and Ross Barkley on the other affords Jorginho time and space to play the quarterback role. And the system is flexible.
“If they are playing one of the bigger sides away from home or find themselves under the cosh, Kante can turn into one of two sitters immediately.”