Frank Lampard names 1 Chelsea player who can stop Lionel Messi in Tuesday's Champions League clash

macfranc007 February 21, 2018 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Oluwatomiwa Babalola

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard says N'Golo Kante is the only player capable of stopping Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi in Tuesday’s Champions League round of 16 encounter at the Stamford Bridge.

The 39-year-old former midfielder was part of the Blues team that won the 2012 edition of the championship having secured a 3-2 win on aggregate over the Catalans in both legs of the fixture.

And the former West Ham United player believes the former Leicester City man will be key to Chelsea’s result after 90 minutes.

“Whoever is nearest to him has to take the responsibility to take that space because the minute you let him get his head up and run freely at you, you won’t get near him. I can say that from experience,” Lampard told Evening Standard.

“There will be periods when you just have to back off. The problem is that being at home, there will be people wanting to see Chelsea have a bit of a go at them.

“But their players are that good, you have to back off to deny them the space where they can really hurt you

“It is a fine line for Chelsea. They need to sit back but at the same time put pressure on him so he doesn’t become relaxed on the ball.

“This is where I think N’Golo Kante will be key. He is the one in Chelsea’s midfield with the abilities you need because he is so quick into the tackle.

“But it is important all 11 press their opponents, starting with those players at the top of the pitch."

Chelsea head into their tie against Barcelona having won only four games in all competitions this year, and they will have to deal with the Spanish team, who are in excellent form this season.

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Lionel Messi has scored 20 goals in 24 La Liga appearances, and he has been flagged up by Blues boss Antonio Conte as the best player in the world.

But he has never scored against Chelsea during his career but will be hoping to end that drought on Tuesday night in the Champions League.

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