Smith believes Chelsea have had an easy run in the league since Tuchel has come in.
The Blues have picked up some comfortable wins to ease the German into the job, the former Arsenal man says.
This has allowed Tuchel to experiment in midfield, Smith states.
However, the new boss must start Kante against Atletico Madrid and Man United next week, as per Alan Smith.
“I know there are no easy games in the Premier League, but this fairly gentle run has given the new man a chance to pick up some wins while easing his feet under the table,” Alan Smith wrote in his column for the Evening Standard.
“Perhaps it also allowed him to experiment a bit by pulling Marcos Alonso out of the cold and pairing Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in central midfield.
“I mean, it would be a little surprising to see Tuchel keep N’Golo Kante on the sidelines for the match away to Atletico Madrid next week or when Manchester United come to town next Sunday.
“Horses for courses. Because of the opposition, we haven’t yet seen all the runners and riders.”
Since Tuchel’s arrival, Kante has started only 1 game as he was recovering from an injury.
This has meant Jorginho and Kovacic have started most games at the heart of midfield as the Blues have won 5 out of the new manager’s 6 games in charge.
Before the big games next week, Chelsea must contend with a visit to the St. Mary’s as they face Southampton in the league.
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