One of the more noteworthy parts of Chelsea's forgettable 1-1 draw with Leicester on Thursday was Thomas Tuchel's bold words on N'Golo Kante in the post-match press conference.
When asked how important the midfielder is for Chelsea for next season and beyond Tuchel did not hide his feelings.
"I think he is our key, key, key player, but key, key, key players need to be on the pitch," he said. "He plays only 40% of the games then it is maybe a miracle that we arrive in third place. He is our Mo Salah, he is our Van Dijk, he is our De Bruyne. He is simply that player, he is our Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
READ MORE: When Chelsea can start N'Golo Kante contract talks after Thomas Tuchel's transfer message
"He is that guy who makes the difference, and if you only have him for 40%, then it is a huge problem. Given that percentage, it is maybe a miracle that he produces results. It puts everything into perspective as I saw Liverpool without Van Dijk last season, and they struggled heavily. You see the difference. N'Golo is our key player, and we need him on the pitch."
Kante's contract runs out in 2023, meaning this summer will realistically be the last chance to gain a decent fee for his services should the incoming ownership group led by Todd Boehly opts to cash in on the 31-year-old.
Though this stance from Tuchel felt telling given the midfielder's struggles in form and fitness this season, still pinpointing how big a presence Kante can still be for him heading into the summer. Kante has played 1,687 league minutes this season, the lowest since signing from Leicester in 2016.
Let's give our team of Chelsea writers the chance to have their say on the Kante situation and whether Tuchel's comments justify a new contract despite fitness concerns?
Adam Newson
Tuchel was right in name-checking De Bruyne, Salah, Mbappe and Neymar when discussing the influence that Kante - when at his best - has in the Chelsea side. You only need to think back to his performances in the Champions League knockout stages last season, they were extraordinary and decisive in the Blues lifting the big-eared trophy.
Yet the 2021/22 campaign hasn't been easy for the Frenchman. His form has been patchy and injuries appear to have taken their toll. It's why I wouldn't be rushing to tie him down to a new long-term contract. At the age of 31, there has to be an element of caution with the midfielder.
That being said, I wouldn't actively look to sell Kante this summer. He still has another year left on his deal and deserves to see that out. And if he returns from a well-earned summer break refreshed and back to his best, then is the time for Chelsea and Kante to discuss a new deal. It does not have to be something that is rushed.
Bobby Vincent
Kante hasn't been his brilliant self recently. The Frenchman has looked out-of-sorts in recent weeks and that could well be down to the numerous injury problems he's had this season.
However, there's been the odd performance that reminds you of his importance to this Chelsea side. If I were in charge of contracts at the club, I'd be looking to extend Kante's deal for at least another season.
Tuchel's message post-Leicester was clear. He could not have made it any clearer - he wants the midfielder to stay put. If he is happy to stay for one more season and see his contract down, then this could work, but if he wants it resolved by the start of the new campaign, then Chelsea should look to extend his deal.
Daniel Childs
The extent to which Tuchel went out of his way to praise Kante feels significant given the situation the Frenchman finds himself in heading into an uncertain summer.
I don't fully agree with Tuchel over Kante missing being the only reason Chelsea have struggled, and the midfielder's own form has been disappointing when fit.
Even in the past few seasons with injury issues, when Kante was present you felt his influence. This season games have sadly passed him by. I wouldn't be committing a new contract to Kante given his age and injury record, but keeping him for one more year is not illogical, in the hope he rediscovers brilliant form.
What are your thoughts on the N'Golo Kante contract situation? Let us know in the comments below.
