The Frenchman is undeniably world-class and after an incredible start to 2021, is in the conversation to win the Balon d’Or and while I believe Lionel Messi is the favourite, Kante should be on the podium.
Looking a little closer to the present, the diminutive midfielder is in contention to make his first start of the Premier League season after being handed an 18-minute cameo against Arsenal last week.
Chelsea lined up against the Gunners with a midfield four of Marcos Alonso, Matteo Kovacic, Jorginho and Reece James which had enough composure, energy and class to see off a poor Mikel Arteta side.
However, Liverpool are a different beast and while the Reds are essentially the same side they were in 2020 with Thiago and Diogo Jota added, Thomas Tuchel will be wary and starting Kante might be a smart move.
It’s easy to look at the front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Jota/Firmino and forget about the rest of the Liverpool team but if you can stop Jurgen Klopp’s fullbacks and his industrious midfield, you can deprive the front three.
Tuchel’s system is the best for stopping a 4-3-3 as he has shown on several occasions against Manchester City and after beating Liverpool 1-0 last season, he’ll be looking to make it a repeat result.
Kante could be key to getting another win at Anfield but this time in front of fans.
Assuming he does come in, Tuchel could bring him in for Kovacic and leave the rest of his team untouched which would allow the Blues to operate with the same attacking fluidity they did against Arsenal while their ability to counter-press would increase with the Frenchman on the pitch.
Liverpool will be hoping to see Kante on the pitch even if he is yet to get back into the rhythm of playing regularly.
He’s arguably the best in the world at what he does and in these types of games – especially so early in the season – the midfield battle is where the game is won or lost.
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