Timo Werner has described N’Golo Kanté as an exceptional influence during his peak years, comparing the French midfielder’s impact to Lionel Messi’s while stressing that their abilities transformed different areas of the game. Speaking on The Late Run Podcast in Denver, in a video posted on Friday, November 6, 2026, the former Chelsea forward explained why Kanté made such a significant difference to the teams they played in together.

The discussion began when the podcast hosts asked Werner whether he had ever shared a dressing room with a footballer who appeared free of pressure before matches. Werner identified Kanté, recalling the midfielder’s confidence and influence during their time at Chelsea.

By then, Kanté had already won the World Cup with France and had established himself as one of the most influential players in the squad. Werner said his teammate often appeared to approach matches simply to enjoy playing, without feeling the need to produce spectacular moments or attract attention.

Instead, Kanté concentrated on winning possession and disrupting opposition attacks. Werner explained that the midfielder’s ability to recover the ball and provide additional defensive protection made his teammates feel as though they had an extra player on the pitch. That contribution, in his view, was comparable to the way Messi could change a match through his attacking quality.

Werner said Kanté’s importance was widely recognised by members of Chelsea’s Champions League-winning team. He suggested that anyone who shared the dressing room with the Frenchman would understand the value he brought.

The German forward also reflected on Chelsea’s defensive organisation during their successful Champions League campaign. He recalled that the team’s back five performed strongly, while Kanté operated in midfield alongside either Jorginho or Mateo Kovačić. The midfield partnership helped Chelsea press opponents, recover possession and prevent rival teams from building attacks.

According to Werner, the players understood their responsibilities during difficult knockout fixtures. Chelsea remained compact, worked collectively and knew how to defend when matches became demanding. Kanté’s energy and ability to cover ground were central to that approach, allowing the team to maintain pressure while protecting the defence.

Werner acknowledged that Chelsea were not necessarily the strongest side across an entire league season. However, he believed their ability to raise their level for individual matches made them formidable in European competition. When the team had to deliver over one or two decisive games, he felt its performances could be extraordinary.

His comments underline the esteem in which Kanté was held by teammates who experienced his influence. The comparison with Messi was not intended to suggest that the two players performed similar roles. Rather, Werner used the Argentine forward as an example of a footballer capable of changing a contest, explaining that Kanté had an equivalent effect through his defensive work.

For Werner, Kanté’s greatest quality was the security he provided to the entire side. His ability to win the ball, support teammates and make Chelsea feel numerically stronger helped define the team's approach during its Champions League triumph in Europe.

Watch headline quotes from (10:44–11:03).: