N'Golo Kante proves he's still the key cog in Chelsea's midfield

Death, taxes, and N'Golo Kante giving absolutely everything for his team.

The Frenchman was at it yet again in Chelsea's 1-1 draw away at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi final tie. His willingness to press, irrepressible determination to regain possession and seemingly inexhaustible resource of energy were there for all to admire on Tuesday night.

While it was the sparkling talent of Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic that stole the spotlight and got a vital away goal in the tie, it was Kante's guile and dogged display that partnered their glitter so brilliantly - and crucially.

Defensively, Kante was here, there and every-bloody-where - naturally.

The Blues dominated the midfield area for large parts of the game courtesy of determined closing down and rapid regaining of the ball, led, in the most part, by the Frenchman.

His non-stop running and three interventions were key in providing composure and efficiency in his side's defensive performance, while also allowing Jorginho license to apply himself in a more play-making sense.

In normal circumstances, Karim Benzema is one of Real Madrid's most creative forces but without any space afforded him, he looked very quiet when dropping off Chelsea's central defenders in an attempt to influence play. Luka Modric was also shut down brilliantly throughout, and the game passed him by somewhat as he was never really given a look in when venturing forward.

Kante was also integral in his side's forward play. His truly staggering energy was arguably Chelsea's biggest driving force when moving upfield and allowed the Blues to turn defence into attack effortlessly throughout.

The Frenchman's six dribbles in the match were more than the whole of Real Madrid's tally combined (5) and, while he was occasionally wasteful in the final third (despite making one key pass), he consistently left an ageing Real Madrid midfield chasing shadows - actually no, just his shadow. Toni Kroos, Modric and Casemiro just could not keep tabs on him when he surged forward.

Indeed around the 82nd minute - of a Champions League semi final, let me remind you - Kante had dribbled the best part of half the pitch before crossing for a teammate, only for the shot to be blocked.

He wasn't in the mood for resting, however, and was first on the scene to gather the lost ball and get his side in possession again, leaving Glenn Hoddle (who was on commentary for BT Sport) lost for words - a small passage of play to encapsulate the whole of his performance, perfectly.

Kante may not have delivered the crucial moment that takes a valuable away goal back to Stamford Bridge ahead of next week's second leg, but he was the tireless centrepiece of the performance and result - deservedly earning him the man of the match award.

His brilliant showing against Real Madrid once again proved two things: Kante loves - like, really loves - running, and he is still the key cog in Chelsea's well-oiled machine.