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Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has rejected the suggestion that he’s using N’Golo Kante the same way former boss Maurizio Sarri used him last season.

Kante has struggled for form in recent games as Chelsea have been below par, and Lampard has been criticised for his use of the French World Cup winner that is being hailed as the best defensive midfielder in the world.

Lampard has claimed that he uses Kante in a deeper role than people are suggesting.

Asked about Kante’s role in the team, and how he’s being used compared with Sarri last season, Lampard said: “I haven’t always played him in the same role as I’m guessing what you’re saying with Sarri is a slightly forward, right-sided No.8.

“There have been times, plenty of times, this season when we’ve played with two midfielders – as N’Golo Kante plays for France, as he played for Leicester and as he played for Antonio Conte’s team with two midfield players.

“He wasn’t the holder in that team. Nemanja Matic would have been more of the holder and N’Golo Kante used his energy to get almost everywhere over the pitch. So I’ve used him as I see fit on that.”