Maurizio Sarri, the Chelsea head coach, has delivered a remarkable critique of N’Golo Kante’s limitations at Chelsea, saying he does not consider him to be technically good enough to play in central midfield in his system.

Kante, whose status at Chelsea was recognised earlier this month when he signed a new contract bumping his wages to £300,000 a week, has been widely celebrated as English football’s most complete midfielder since his performances inspired Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2015-16. He then moved to Chelsea for £32 million and won the league again.

In addition, he was voted footballer of the year, PFA players’ player of the year and French footballer of the year in 2017 and won the World Cup with France last summer. In all cases he played in the centre of midfield, not only winning the ball but also passing it and carrying it forward.

But when Sarri arrived at Stamford Bridge from Napoli in July, he brought the Brazil-born Italy midfield player, Jorginho. He has taken Kante’s slot, forcing the France player wider and into a more attacking position, a decision the manager explained on Wednesday.

“I think, as you know, I want to play a central midfielder as a very technical player, a Jorginho or [Cesc] Fabregas,” Sarri said ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League group match at home to PAOK of Greece. “I don’t want Kante in this position.”