Wenger lauds Chelsea star for moving to the next level under Tuchel

Lewis Oldham
Wenger F365
Wenger Kante

Arsene Wenger has praised Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante for adding “something to his game” under new boss Thomas Tuchel.

The 32-year-old joined Chelsea in 2016 from Leicester City for around £32m. This came after he helped the Foxes win the Premier League in his only season at the club.

In 2018, Kante was a key part of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup.


Man Utd already have their own Kante playing at right-back…


The midfielder has also impressed with Chelsea in recent years. Before the 2020/21 term, he had already won the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup with the Blues.

But his form has stepped up a level in recent months. He shone as Chelsea won their second Champions League.

Kante was awarded the man of the match award in the final as Tuchel’s side beat Manchester City 1-0 to lift the trophy.

Wenger has told beIN Sports that Kante is now driving forward to make key passes in attacking areas:

“N’Golo Kante has added something to his game,” Wenger said. “Before he won the ball and he made a good pass, he was an exceptional ball winner.

“I say an exceptional ball-winner because he wins decisive balls without making a foul.

“But he is now capable of running with the ball and making a good pass in the final third.

“That’s why I am certain he is the best all-round midfielder in Europe at the moment.”

Elsewhere, Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich has also heaped praise on the Frenchman:

“For sure, N’Golo Kante is one of the best defensive midfielders,” Leeds star Klich said. “With our one-on-one style of play, I already know who I’m going to run for before the game.

“Running after him, you could see that he was doing everything. He is a player who shows up out of nowhere and is difficult to play against. For sure, Kante would be in such top-three midfielders [in the Premier League].

“Kevin De Bruyne would be in the top-three. And it’s hard to say who is third, because there are many good players in the Premier League. The third one seems to be me.”