Graeme Le Saux questioned whether Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante was good enough to play on the right-flank during the game with Liverpool.
The former Blues defender was unsure whether it was best use of the 27-year-old, who earns £120,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), while commentating on the game for NBC Sports.
Le Saux claimed that due to Reds’ Andy Robertson bursting forward than the player facing him for Chelsea could have great success as the left-back was likely to leave space behind when going on the attack.
“Whether he (Kante) is good enough to play that role is another thing,” said the former Chelsea player on NBCSN (Saturday 29th September,
“When Robertson comes out of that space, like Alonso for Chelsea, the left full-back likes to get forward and Chelsea will try to exploit Liverpool down the left-flank.”
OPINION
Le Saux seemed abit miffed at how Maurizio Sarri had chosen to deploy Kante on Saturday but he did do well on the flank. The midfielder didn’t stick to the wing like glue though as he was often seen cutting inside to help the Blues dominate the midfield battle. While playing on the left-sided may not be his most natural position, it’s not like failed to deliver the goods. However Le Saux was wrong to suggest that Robertson could be exposed as the Reds’ left-back has more than enough pace and desire to ensure he gets back in position to do his defensive duties after pushing forward. So if anything it played into the Reds’ hand that the Blues were trying to get Robertson as a player they could exploit as he clearly was able to deal with their attacks. The only issue is, that Chelsea did find a way to penetrate the Reds defence during the game as Eden Hazard fired his side ahead of catching Trent Alexander-Arnold resting on his laurels and getting pulled out of position.
