Lampard: Chelsea’s Kante even better than former Blue Makelele

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has hailed N’Golo Kante as the best central midfielder in world football, insisting the Frenchman is even better than former Blues man Claude Makelele.

Kante was a thorn in Manchester United’s side as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners in their FA Cup quarter-final on Monday night, scoring the only goal of the game with a fine strike after the break.

It was only Kante’s second goal in Chelsea colours, with his first also coming against United in his side’s 4-0 league victory back in October.

Kante’s tireless work in the middle of the park has been a revelation for the Blues, and Lampard insists the Frenchman is up there with the very best.

“I compared him to Claude Makelele last season, but he’s got even more to his game than Makelele,” said Lampard, who made 404 league appearances for the Blues.

“I would go so far as to say N’Golo Kante is the best central midfield player in the world right now.

“Looking at the way he’s performing, what he’s giving the team, he’s the driving force.

“I can’t see anyone out there in world football better than him right now.”

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

But Kante isn’t the only Chelsea player Lampard has been impressed with this season.

The 38-year-old was also quick to praise forward Eden Hazard, whose 11 goals this season have been instrumental in lifting Antonio Conte’s men to the top of the Premier League table.

“Eden Hazard has been incredible. I was lucky enough to play with him myself and I saw the potential in him as a young player,” Lampard said.

“Great ability, very carefree kind of player, very laid back off the pitch, but when he plays he has that magic.

“And once he gets into those central areas he can add goals and assists to his game and move himself into the real top bracket of world football.”