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Claude Makelele Has Some Advice From N'Golo Kante

Claude Makelele Has Some Advice From N'Golo Kante

Wise words from the former Chelsea midfielder

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

When it comes to taking advice off former Chelsea midfielders, there's perhaps no better player's words to seek out than those of Claude Makelele. After all, the bloke did have a position named after him and helped deliver two Premier League titles to Stamford Bridge.

And now the Frenchman is offering his words of wisdom to current Chelsea midfielder and fellow countryman, N'Golo Kante.

Kante, who won this year's PFA Player Of The Year award and has helped Chelsea and Leicester City to Premier League titles in the last two seasons, has become one of the most admired midfielders in world football for his all action displays, but it's the former Caen man's energy levels which are concerning Makelele.

Indeed, Makelele actually believes Kante should pace himself more and not expel quite so much effort for 90 minutes every game, as the 25-year-old could exhaust himself prematurely.


Kante
Kante
Kante
Kante

Kante enjoyed a fantastic first season at Stamford Bridge, but Claude Makelele is worried the French midfielder may be in danger of wearing himself out. Images: PA

Speaking to Goal, Makelele said, He is a good player. It is difficult to find some who loves running for everything like him.

"He plays for his partners. He is unbelievable. He is also clever and very serious. Around him, he has good people to help him to be a great player.

"It might be difficult for him when he gets older. He can't run like that for 90 minutes. I think he will one day need to change the way he plays. He could use his intelligence even more, be selective about his runs.

"If you want to play every four days in the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League, he might need to change he much he runs a little. However, Chelsea signed him to play the way that he plays with his running. So that's the problem.

"It is important for him to understand to conserve his energy. He is still young, when he is older, he will understand how to change the way that he plays."

Kante is playing in a new look Chelsea midfield, this season, with Nemanja Matic now a Manchester United player and Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko his replacement. Antonio Conte will be hoping the pair are as effective as Kante was with Matic, last season. The Chelsea manager may also be hoping that Kante does indeed heed Makelele's words, as a serious injury to the French midfielder could potentially derail Chelsea's Premier League title defence.

(H/T Goal)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Chelsea FC, N'Golo Kante