Antonio Conte backs Frank Lampard over N’Golo Kante’s position for Chelsea

Antonio Conte says N’Golo Kante can play in any midfield role for Chelsea (Visionhaus)

Antonio Conte has supported Frank Lampard’s decision to play N’Golo Kante in a more advanced midfield role for Chelsea.

Kante arrived at Stamford Bridge in Conte’s first summer at Chelsea as he was signed in a £30 million deal from Leicester City.

The France international played a key role in helping Chelsea win the Premier League title in 2017 as he was the anchor in Conte’s midfield.

But Kante was moved further forward during Maurizio Sarri’s reign at Chelsea as the Italian preferred Jorginho at the heart of his midfield.

And Lampard has opted to use a similar tactic with Kante finding himself in more advanced positions than in his early career at Chelsea.

‘In my opinion he can play in every position in midfield,’ Conte told Sky Sports.

Antonio Conte says N’Golo Kante is one of the best players he’s ever managed (AFP via Getty Images)

‘We are talking about an amazing player, a top player, he is fantastic with the ball, without the ball.

‘When you have N’Golo in your team you can think you are playing with one player more

‘You can find a smile on his face every day, he’s a very positive guy, one of the best players I’ve had in my career as a coach.’

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Speaking in March, former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet claims Kante’s importance was ‘lost’ after he was pushed forward in a more advanced role by Sarri last season.

‘In very important games Lampard went with Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic until the last month with injuries,’ Poyet told Goal.

‘Those are the three most experienced players who played under Sarri but now they play with more freedom, especially in Jorginho having more possibilities to move around to go sideways and forward. Last year, he was very static. There are plenty of options.

N’Golo Kante played a key role in Chelsea’s Premier League title win in 2017 (Getty Images)

‘In Kante’s first year, he came to Chelsea and I made it public that he is the best central midfielder in the world.

‘After a previous season as a number eight in that different position, we lost how important and unique he was as a player.

‘I hope he can get back to that. In his best position, he is unique and there’s not many players that can give you what he can do right now.’

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