The former Blues player and manager has been left bemused by a tactical call which has seen a World Cup winner edged out of his favoured position
Chelsea’s decision to move N’Golo Kante out of his favoured holding position and into a more advanced midfield berth has been branded “strange” by Ruud Gullit.
The Blues have been forced into a tactical tweak after investing £57 million ($73m) in Italy international Jorginho.
He has slotted into Maurizio Sarri’s side in an anchor role ahead of the back four, with his passing ability allowing a ball-playing philosophy to be embraced.
Jorginho’s presence has, however, edged World Cup winner Kante further up the field, with a man hardly renowned for his goal-scoring prowess being asked to make more of an impact in the attacking third.
That call has left former Blues player and manager Gullit bemused, with the Dutchman telling BBC Sport: “Jorginho is the man Sarri has brought with him from Napoli to channel Chelsea's play through.
“He was heavily involved at St James' Park [against Newcastle] but, in a game like this, that is an easier job to do, popping the ball around without being pressed.
“Generally in England, though, he will be asked to play at a higher pace and make quicker decisions.
“You do not get any chance of easy build-up, like you would in Italy. So far he has been OK, but let us see how it goes for the rest of the season.
“One of the knock-on effects of Jorginho coming in is N'Golo Kante's move into a more advanced role.
“It is a little bit strange. He is not a goalscorer. He has got one this season, but it was more by accident.
“He is a world champion and I like him more in the holding role he played for France.”
Kante’s solitary strike this season came in a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield on the opening weekend.
The France international has since been involved in wins against Arsenal and Newcastle, with Chelsea one of just four sides in the Premier League to still boast a 100 per cent record.
CR7ICON
106
strange or not, IT'S WORKING FOR CHELSEA!!!
Lanbdz
84
I see no issues here but the only problem l noticed yesterday and l agree with this gentleman is the way we were playing the ball in the first half trying to go through the middle where congestion was instead of on the flanks where we ended doing in the second half. The other major problem was trying to go through Hazard all the time instead of spreading the ball and moving fast. In my opinion Hazard slowed down play allowing the defence minded Newcastle to regroup quickly and cut out all main routes. I think as we are still new in the system he will instruct his players to find other avenues in case they were roadblocks like the ones we saw yesterday. But still then Sarri had the key to unlock the stubborn defence up with Alonso who was used as the unblocking key. It is too early but it is too good for people to doubt our credentials and who knows we may surprise them.
Zabcklnorz
75
kante is good in the central holding midfield position. but he will not be able to dictate games and make quick decisions and passes like joginho. so he have to play from the side.
itdonb
55
Mr Gullit, go and sleep ur time has passed, we are enjoying Chelsea now.