The 30-year-old has again been a vital player for the Blues during the 2021-22 campaign, making 27 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists in the process.
Browsing: N’Golo Kante
Romelu Lukaku gave the European champions the lead shortly after the break in Abu Dhabi, before Raphael Veiga got their Brazilian opponents back on level terms from the penalty spot.
The Nigerian, according to report is one of the three midfielders, Chelsea could sign in the January transfer window, with N’Golo Kante continuing to struggle with injuries this season.
Chelsea’s Jorginho is the third favourite to land the accolade according to the bookies, after winning the Champions League, as well at Euro 2020 with Italy.
After being second best in the first half, Tuchel introduced N’Golo Kante, switched formation and it paid immediate dividends.
Sources have told ESPN that Man City are closing in on a deal for Ronaldo, while Messi will be embarking on his first Champions League campaign away from Barcelona after joining PSG earlier this month.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant few months – winning the Champions League final with Chelsea before mirroring those feats at international level as Italy became Euro 2020 champions.
Both Champions League finalists boast players which make up the final three places for the prestigious award, with Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Kevin De Bruyne set to battle it out for the honour.
Villarreal were surprise winners of the UEFA Europa League last term, but the Spanish side is looking to build on their success and will use this clash against continental champions Chelsea as a yard-stick to measure their progress ahead of competing in the UEFA Champions League this term.
Croatia star Kovacic has missed nine matches with a hamstring problem but is now ready to return for Saturday’s Wembley showdown.
The Blues will now face Man City at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on May 29
The Catalan giants have identified the Leicester City midfield powerhouse as an alternative for N’Golo Kante, whose €60 million valuation is unaffordable.
In 2017, Ndidi was a direct replacement for France star Kante, who played a big part in “The Foxes” defying all the odds to win the Premier League.
Giroud, making his 50th start for the club, was at his clinical best as he took his tally to 10 goals in his last seven away starts in the competition and ensured Chelsea go into the round of 16 as one of eight seeded teams.
Anthony Martial missed three clear-cut first half chances for France before Kante scored only his second international goal in the 54th minute
Although the Nigerian would only briefly play under Claudio Ranieri, the Italian’s confidence in Ndidi gave him the platform to find his feet in the English Premier League
The 23-year-old admitted filling N’Golo Kante’s boots in the title-winning side had put him under pressure from day one.
Lampard said several senior players would be unavailable for Tuesday’s FA Cup fifth round clash with Liverpool as a result of this.
N’Golo Kante said Chelsea’s home clash with Manchester United on Monday is not about avenging an opening-day hammering at Old Trafford, but keeping their noses in front in the scrap for a Premier League top-four finish.
The French star was helped by votes from supporters to be selected yet again, just reward for another strong year, the highlight of which was winning the Europa League.