Chelsea: Who will be N’golo Kante’s long-term successor?

The final round of international fixtures is here and it is a good time to discuss who could be Chelsea’s next defensive midfielder following N’golo Kante.

N’golo Kante is by no means showing signs of decline. If anything, to the average Chelsea fan, he is having somewhat of a career revival. The last couple seasons Kante has been utilized more often as a central midfielder which would find him higher up the field. This led to some questioning his effectiveness as he was no longer in the position to mop up counter attacks and make those eye-catching interceptions. However, this season it seems like with the new signings Frank Lampard wishes to play Kante as his sole defensive midfielder.

In turn, this has led to Kante once again being acknowledged as one of the worlds best midfielders which is also reflected in his numbers, in the Premier League he tops the charts for most interceptions, tackles and recoveries. So, when considering this, it would be ludicrous to suggest Kante should be replaced right? Well, there is one thing even Kante cannot beat, which is time.

Kante is 29 and while that is still relatively young in football, we do not know how long he can continue in that position at a most class level week in week out in a modern-day season. Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, Kante’s midfield compatriots, are both 21 so it would make sense for the Blues to find the long-term successor to Kante now. There are three players who could anchor Chelsea’s midfield for the next decade.

The first player is Billy Gilmour. Gilmour had probably the best debut last season amongst all of Lampard’s debutants. Gilmour played anchor against the almost invincible Liverpool and bossed the entire game. He looked assured in possession and is always looking for the forward pass. He is defensively sound and not shy of a tackle. The man of the match display against Liverpool was followed by another against Everton. He continued to be in and around the side but his season was cut short through injury. This season Gilmour has been recovering from that injury and we finally got to see him on the pitch this international break for the Scotland Under 21s. However, it was only a brief appearance as he was given a harsh red card.

Gilmour has many elements to his game and could prove to be perfect for this progressive Chelsea side. But it must be mentioned that while he is solid defensively his small frame could leave him exposed in aerial duels and the more physical side of the game.

Declan Rice is the next player to discuss. Rice being a life long Blues fan and Mount’s best friend makes him and Chelsea almost an inevitable match. Regardless of his off the field ties, Rice is a world class talent and one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders at only 21. Unlike Gilmour, Rice is built for the physical side of the game standing at six foot one inch and has shown he has the character that Lampard is so keen to have in his side.

Rice was a major reason for West Ham avoiding relegation last season and is their current captain. Rice is not just an enforcer; he has the technical ability to progress the ball in a top side too. For England, Rice does not look out of place playing alongside the countries best. Rice does not have any glaring weaknesses. The issue which could potentially arise is if he does sign for Chelsea will be whether he is utilized as a defensive midfielder or will his long-term future be seen as a center back.

The final player who could potentially be Chelsea’s future defensive midfielder is Ethan Ampadu. To some, Ampadu’s inclusion could be viewed as a wild card, but Ampadu has as much potential as the previous two names mentioned. Last season, he had a frustrating loan spell with RB Leipzig which saw his numbers limited. This season with Sheffield United, he seems to be a significant part of their plans. While Sheffield United have not had the best of starts, their season could take a turn and it would not be surprising if Ampadu is a major factor in that.

It was revealed that Lampard sees Ampadu’s long term future in midfield and will probably play the majority of his games there for Sheffield United this season. If Ampadu can put his talents on display this season the young Welshman could force his way into Lampard’s plans.

All three players have the potential to succeed Kante as Chelsea’s defensive midfielder and this season will play a vital part. Whoever’s star shines brightest this season, they will at the least garner the attention of Lampard and the Blues hierarchy.