N'Golo Kante summed up what his entire game is about during Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid - by producing a world class 'dummy run' in the 94th minute.
The Blues ran out 2-0 winners at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and Kante was a standout performer.
Advert
He covered the entire pitch and managed to stifle anything the Spanish side attempted, while also providing help in attack.
Case in point was his involvement with Emerson Palmieri's late strike which saw the Frenchman run the length of the pitch in eight seconds.
Kante dragged Mario Hermoso away with a gut-busting run from his own half, making space for Emerson on the left.
Advert
Emerson then rifled his show low and hard past Jan Oblak to cap off a battling performance from Thomas Tuchel's men.
Many pointed to Kante's determination so late in the game for the reason Chelsea reached their first Champions League quarter-final in seven years.
Advert
Chelsea won the tie 3-0 on aggregate overall and Tuchel remains unbeaten in his first 13 games since taking over in January.
The 47-year-old paid tribute to Kante post-match and stressed just how important his contribution was.
Per Goal, Tuchel stated: "I never know the age of my players just from performance.
"If you play with him [Kante], you play with half a man more because he gives intensity and volume that is outstanding and is unique.
"It is a pleasure to coach him, a big gift for me, such a big helper on the pitch; and don't underestimate his quality in using [the ball], escaping the pressure.
Advert
"He can improve with the ball, but it is fantastic to have him. Kova [Mateo Kovacic] and him needed to step up today and the two knew they could be relied upon, they took all the weight on their shoulders and did a fantastic job."
Chelsea will find out their quarter-final opponents on Friday.
Featured Image Credit: BT SportTopics:Β Chelsea, Football, Atletico Madrid, Champions League, N'Golo Kante
