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What’s Chelsea’s first choice XI with N’Golo Kante?

By Tom Bogert

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is closed down by N'Golo Kante of Leicester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is closed down by N'Golo Kante of Leicester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Verdict: Option two, 3-5-2

If Conte is intent on importing his 3-5-2 to England, then these are the players that it’d work the best for. Plus I love seeing new theories and different ways to play enter the league, I always root for those who try things– for better or worse.

Next season will be fun for football nerds who love the narratives of managers and tactical decisions. Jurgen Klopp will run a war of attrition through gegenpressing, Pep Guardiola will look to instill his old Barcelona tiki-taka at Manchester City, Jose Mourinho will do his Jose Mourinho things at Manchester United, Arsene Wenger will play his quick combination at Arsenal while Conte will counter-press in a different formation with Chelsea. It’ll be fun.

Other than being condescending and recalcitrant to everyone, Louis van Gaal was comprehensively loathed for his painfully boring, unadventurous style of play. Sure, let’s pass it side to side for 75 minutes then throw Marouane Fellaini up top when we can’t figure out the creativity to break the other side. He exasperated the media with trying to remonstrate against those who called him what he was: boring. So I root for anyone who doesn’t do that.

Conte has been different throughout his career, that’s why he is where he is now. Why stop now?

In this rendition of the 3-5-2, it gives the team a balance with Baba on the left and Kante covering Willian on the right. Fabregas and Hazard will make up the creative engine for the team and Chelsea will play with two true strikers for the first time in a long time. Batshuayi and Costa should get goals created by the midfield.

Related Story: Chelsea close in on Kante

Less than a month now until these questions begun to be answered, full steam ahead towards the start of the new Premier League campaign.

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