Kante ready to 'sacrifice' to keep surprise new Chelsea role

Given a licence to attack by Maurizio Sarri, the French midfielder is relishing his unexpected new responsibility after a bright start to the season

An emboldened N'Golo Kante is confident he can adapt to a more attacking role in 's transformed playing style.

The star volleyed in the opener to help new boss Maurizio Sarri commence his debut Premier League season with a 3-0 win at on Saturday.

It was only the 27-year-old's third goal in 's top flight as he adjusted seamlessly from defensive-minded anchor to influential box-to-box contributor.

Kante has been mentally preparing for the switch since pre-season and believes his game will improve as a result.

"Now the system is ­something ­different, especially the way we play now," Kante told the Mirror.

"So, even during the ­holidays, we were thinking and talking about how to adapt. It will require a lot of sacrifice from us all, so that is why I have to continue ­moving forward as a player.

"I have worked with ­different managers in the past and different systems.

"The best way to always keep your position [in the team] is to ­remain focused and have the same attitude towards ­everyone. So that is what I am going to try to do again this season."

Kante has returned to club duty on a high from his World Cup success with France.

The former man, who played every match in , says the privilege of representing his country is "worth more than money can ever buy" and it remains a motivation for him to perform at club level.

"To represent one's own country is one of the biggest achievements a ­footballer can get," he said.

"To win the World Cup in our colours was beyond my dreams and something I will never, ever forget.

"To be able to be part of that group will stay with us until the end of our lives ­because we know what ­winning the World Cup means to us."