Controversial midfielder Joey Barton has said that Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kanté is the “best player in the Premier League” this season. Burnley are set to host the current League toppers on 12th February.
The midfielder, who was re-signed by the Clarets, lasted just eight games for Rangers. His contract was terminated by Rangers after he had a brawl with their manager Mark Warburton and midfielder Andy Halliday. Burnley decided to rope in the midfielder as he was a free agent.
Kanté has turned out to be the x-factor that Chelsea were missing last season. His brilliant break up play and acute passing have helped the Blues immensely this season. The West Londoners will travel to Turf Moor hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Barton said, “I’ve got an enormous amount of respect for Rangers as a football club, the fans, the tradition – everything that it stands for.
“I ain’t going to come on the radio and have a go and air my dirty laundry in public about Rangers.
“It’s just not something I aspire to do. It’s not something I’m going to do today, in two months, in 10 months or in two years.
“I’m focused on Burnley. I’ve got N’Golo Kanté and Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. I’ve got to use every bit of energy I’ve got trying to turn in a performance against arguably the best player in the league.
“This is the Premier League and we play Chelsea at home on Sunday. I can’t waste any energy looking back over my shoulder because the challenge in front of me in incredible.”
