Kante can still improve, says Conte

Antonio Conte says N’Golo Kante can still get better despite a season which has seen the midfielder win numerous individual awards and play a pivotal role in Chelsea challenging for the Double.

Chelsea can win the Premier League by beating West Brom on Friday and they face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 27.

Frenchman Kante, the Professional Football Association’s Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, has started 33 of the club’s league matches this season with a further four appearances in the FA Cup.

“The most important thing for him is to have in his mind this desire and this will to improve every day,” Blues boss Conte said.

“N’Golo can still improve a lot to become stronger than now.”

The Italian added he “only has positive things” to say about the £30m summer signing.

“He is a really good guy,” Conte said. “He has always a smile on his face.

“If he’s working hard or not, there’s always a smile. I think it’s great, it’s fantastic. N’Golo is having a great season and I’m pleased for him.

“To have these awards – to receive the best player in the league award – it’s great. We have a lot of fantastic players.”

Kante came to England from relative obscurity in French football to help Leicester win the Premier League title last season.

“This story is great because it gives confidence to people who are playing in non-League now, in amateur levels,” Conte said.

“Football always gives this type of positive stories.”