Claude Makelele believes it is time for N’Golo Kante to speak up more on the pitch and become a Chelsea leader despite his shy personality.
The 29-year-old was voted man of the match for his tireless performance in the 0-0 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.
He made seven tackles and interceptions in the game, but importantly, as Tuchel pointed out to Chelsea TV, he took Man United ace Bruno Fernandes “out of the game”.
However, speaking before the match, Makelele said Kante still has one weakness in his game.
“For me, I expect more from N’Golo Kante because he can be better than me,” the former France international told Chelsea’s Matchday Live show.
“He needs more communication with his defenders.
“You want him to have more responsibility, more power to say: ‘I’m here. You do this behind me and I’ll do this in front of you’.
“He can have leadership in this team.
“I know Kante is shy, never talks, he just wants to do his job. But I think he can do more.”
Chronicle view
Makelele actually made a good point there.
Being one of the vice-captains, and one of the few senior players in the young Chelsea squad, people understandably expect Kante to lead on the pitch.
But Kante has never been a vocal character, neither on the pitch nor outside the club — and his teammates clearly understand that.
Speaking to Chelsea TV a couple of weeks ago, Mason Mount summed it up really well as he described Kante as “a big character around the group”.
“He doesn’t say much but what he does physically and how he goes about himself, he’s a massive character,” he added.
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