Ask Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante how young players can learn from him and play like him and he will tell you: “They need to love the game. I loved it so much I played all the time. I played before school, at school, after school, then I’d go to my club and train or play a match, and after that I’d have another kick about with my friends until it got too dark!”
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante in action with Southampton’s Shane Long
Keeping it simple: Kante breaks up the play and passes calmly. He does all the dirty work in midfield, breaking up play in front of Chelsea’s defence, but is also more than capable on the ball and is an efficient, clever passer. His energy and tireless, all-action displays have been key to Chelsea getting to the final of the FA Cup this season.
If you want your players to love the game try a couple of my favourite fun sessions and if you want smart midfielders at the same time you can use the four sessions that I use to create Kante’s of my own.
My favourite fun sessions – I use these games to cover the important decision making that young players find hard to come to terms with. Also counter attacking is an important to work on with your players. Start them young with these games:
Pits the wits of defenders and attackers against each other in 1v1s within the main game. Plus use sweepers to give midfielders a ‘get out’ clause when their way ahead is blocked MORE
This session encourages players to be aware at all times of where they are on the pitch and concentrate on getting the ball through to the shaded areas where they can shoot at goal . MORE
One thing that will help you control the pace of games and give you a winning edge is to have an effective midfield. This useful session will help your players learn how to pass the ball through midfield on the move MORE
Standing on the touchline not a week goes by without me hearing an opposition coach bemoan a poor throw-in or the loss of the ball from a weak goal-kick. Use these sessions so that doesn't happen to you MORE
Goals from outside the box are always a spectacular way to hit the back of the net. It is often seen as a waste of possession but in youth soccer young goalkeepers will find it hard to keep out an accurate shot hit with power. MORE
There’s nothing more beautiful in soccer than seeing a well executed through ball. You could make this core skill really work for your team if you run the training sessions in this post MORE
It’s rare that I advise coaches to set up games and drills that require props, such as a wall, because not all soccer coaches will have access to one, but Slam is one game where it’s worth making the effort. Game to improve players’ kicking skills If you want a game which can improve kicking... MORE
