Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said that the role of Ngulu Kanti is more than just a defensive midfielder, hoping to take advantage of his other skills after regaining his fitness.
Lampard confirmed that Kanti, who has been plagued by injuries this season and has only played three league titles with Chelsea so far, has recovered from a groin problem and is ready for Saturday's match against Crystal Palace.
Former Blues coach Mauricio Sarri had commissioned Kante to play in a leading position on the pitch and Lampard used a similar approach with Italian Giorgio at the base.
"People are talking about him as the best defensive midfielder in the world. But I think things go beyond that," Lampard told reporters on Friday.
"I do not criticize him, but vice versa. He has more capabilities than that. The defensive midfielder, in my opinion, is the one who is in front of a trio or a quadruple defense line, but I think he plays a much bigger role."
"He has shown all these abilities over the past four years with all the teams he has played in Leicester, Chelsea and France."
"He can give you more. That is what we hope to be at the moment when he is fit."
With Jorginho suspended for one game after receiving five yellow cards this season, Lampard did not say whether Kante would be a defensive midfielder against Crystal Palace.
"This will depend on the squad," Lampard said. "There are other players and we will rely on team spirit, not individual skills."