Liverpool star Fabinho shower praise for N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovačić ahead of EFL Cup final against Chelsea
According to Daily Express, Fabinho revealed that the Chelsea midfield, especially the partnership between N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovačić, have a crucial role to play in the Carabao Cup final.
This season, the Blues drew both of their games against Liverpool in the Premier League. At first, it was a 1-1 draw, back in August. Then in the January first week, the Blues again showed resilience by making a comeback after going down 2-0 in the first half. With the help of a wonderful goal from Kovacic, they ended the match in a 2-2 draw.
In the second match, Blues midfielders Kante and Kovačić played a crucial role and dictated the game’s rhythm as the Blues sought to fight back. They could have a similarly key role to play tonight as well.
Fabinho acknowledged the two midfielders’ quality and suggested that Chelsea’s midfield could play an important role tonight. With finals being largely cagey affairs, dominance in the middle of the pitch could help dictate the result.
“I remember our last game against Chelsea – the midfield was really important. I remember Kovacic scored a really nice goal, and he and Kante played a good game.”
The Reds midfielder also suggested that the Blues showed courage to fight back from two goals down at Stamford Bridge. He emphasised that Liverpool will hope to implement the press against Chelsea to great impact and seize the initiative for themselves.
When Tuchel lost his prime midfielders in the middle of the season, the team as a whole struggled and saw us drop key points, especially in the league. The victories in the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup show the key role Kante and co play in our fortunes.
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Therefore, it’s natural that the former PSG manager will rely upon the midfield today to make the difference. The West London team’s attackers haven’t been in their best shape for a long time, which eventually increases the burden on central;y deployed players.
A midfielder himself, Fabinho himself will be in the middle of the park looking to influence matters for his side. Liverpool certainly appears to have identified Chelsea’s strengths and it is now up to Tuchek and co to outmanoeuvre the Merseysiders.