Wolves vs Chelsea: 3 Blues Frank Lampard must start

1. N’Golo Kanté

In his first start for the Blues in the Premier League since August 14, the French international N’Golo Kante made his presence known in the midfield. There was not many positives from the draw against Liverpool. Kante was one of them. The French midfielder demonstrated to the club how much they missed him game in and game out, adding a welcomed energy on and off the ball in the middle of the pitch.

In his Premier League return, Kante contributed 68 minutes, completing an exceptional 88.9 percent of his passes. Who knows if the 32-year-old can hold up for 90 minutes yet, but given the way he looked in less than 70, Lampard could feel it is time for the midfielder to play over 80. Nobody plays both sides of the ball in the center of the pitch than Kante. In the past, Lampard has played Kante at the base of a midfield three. Lampard’s unfamiliarity with many of the team’s players will most likely mean he is going to lean on the talents he has seen perform under him at Chelsea FC before.

The only reason why Kante would not start on Saturday is if he had a setback in training. If this club is to generate any sort of success heading into the summer, Kante is going to have to play significant minutes. The 32-year-old is a game changer who could give Real Madrid’s talented midfield fits over both legs.

While the chances of a 2023/24 Champions League campaign are unlikely, Kante elevates those chances quite a bit. Mario Lemina, and Ruben Neves among other Wolves midfielders are not used to competing against a player like Kante. There may not be many things for Blues fans to look forward to, but being able to see Kante play football in a CFC kit is a treat in itself.