Ranking Maurizio Sarri's most important players at Chelsea

#4 N'Golo Kante

The best defensive midfielder in the world

Arguably the best thing that's happened to Chelsea since Jose Mourinho, N'Golo Kante remains the most effective ball-winning midfielder alive, and although Sarri's high-pressing possession-based brand of football suggests there's less work to be done, the Frenchman's services have remained top notch.

When I watch all the trending videos of Ngolo Kante it's not the perceived humility or shyness that strikes me. It's the obvious belief team mates have that they are unbeatable when he issbon the pitch. It is the ultimate compliment a footballer can be paid.

— Godfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) September 11, 2018

N'Golo Kante is probably the most loved footballer on the planet right now, but infectious smiles and down to earth attitude aside, it is his unmatched mastery at recovering the ball in record time, that makes him a priceless asset for Maurizio Sarri.

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#3 Cesar Azpilicueta

You see Marcos Alonso on endless goal-scoring adventures and it's puzzling how a left-back does so much in the final third and still manages to sit up defensively, right? Look no further than Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's commander-in-chief.

Cesar Azpilicueta for Chelsea:🔵 248 Games🙅‍♂️ 93 Clean sheets✅ 151 wins❌ 44 losses➖ 53 draws⚽️ 6 goals🅰️ 23 assists2 Premier League's 🏆🏆1 FA Cup 🏆1 League Cup 🏆1 Europa League 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3o0cPcUAsY

— Uber Chelsea FC 🏆 (@UberCheIseaFC) September 13, 2018

What Alonso's compatriot does could be referred to as the "cover job". While Marcos Alonso makes those well-timed runs in the final third, the more defensively disciplined Azpilicueta simply sits back and provides the requisite balance in Chelsea's high defensive line.

Alongside Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard, the Spaniard happens to be one of Chelsea's longest-serving players in the current roster and the significance of his experience and leadership on the pitch cannot be overstated.