Former Chelsea star Gus Poyet has called for N’Golo Kante to revert back to his natural position and for Billy Gilmour to be given time to find his feet in the Premier League.
Kante was controversially deployed in a more attacking role by ex-Blues boss Maurizio Sarri despite being regarded as a world class defensive midfielder.
Current manager Frank Lampard has surprised many by not selecting Kante in his previous role either – and Poyet believes that should change.
Poyet told Goal.com “In Kante’s first year, he came to Chelsea and I made it public that he is the best central midfielder in the world.
“After a previous season as a number eight in that different position, we lost how important and unique he was as a player.
“I hope he can get back to that. In his best position, he is unique and there’s not many players that can give you what he can do right now.”
Early days for Gilmour
Youngster Gilmour has received rave reviews after his first-team appearances and looks destined for the top.
But Poyet points to the fact that Josh McEachran was also highly rated as a youngster at Chelsea and did not make the grade.
Poyet said: “He (Gilmour) showed how mature he is especially in possession.
“Again, it isn’t a matter of performing once or twice but every month, season through season.
“I prefer to make sure people take time with him and not go the other way.
“I was at Stamford Bridge a long time ago when a young Josh McEachran was making the team at 17.
“The whole stadium were talking about him after that game. People were saying he was the next [Fernando] Redondo or [Pep] Guardiola.
“Unfortunately it didn’t work out like that despite a great football career in the Championship.
“The idea to know is that it is difficult and [to know] how to progress in the next few months and years.”