Frank Lampard revealed that he made 'big, big steps' in order to regiment N'Golo Kante's fitness and get the best out of him this season.
The 29-year-old started only Premier League games last season in an injury-plagued 2019/20 campaign, with the World Cup winner being out of action several times.
However, the midfielder has started every league match this season and was rested for one of the Champions League matches, starting the other two.
It has made a huge difference to Lampard's starting XI, with a fit Kante providing great protection for the back four and allowing the forwards to be at their creative best.
And Lampard is delighted to have one of his star men performing at his best level this season.
“He played about 50 per cent of the games last year and that is a big loss for half the season, a player of his level," Lampard said.
"So I made a big, big step to try to manage his training and games and make sure that we attempt to have him fit and ready for as many games as we can.
"The last couple of games we have played is N’Golo Kante. His attributes are incredible, he can play in many positions in the midfield.
"The energy and ability to win the ball back, but also his ability on the ball, which is sometimes underrated, is amazing. He can play in different roles.
"People always want to talk about that he’s the best defensive midfielder and should be in a deeper role. But he can play in lots of different roles to massive effect and I am pleased he is fit now.
"We will have to keep managing that to make sure he stays fit, because he is massively important."
