The striker will weigh in with goals – but he can also help keep clean sheets at the other end.

And former Arsenal team-mate Lee Dixon reckons the striker's ability to defend from the front can help the Blues beat their record of 12 Premier League shut-outs last year.

Kanu has already scored two goals in four starts this season after claiming Pompey's top-scoring mantle last term.

But BBC TV pundit Dixon believes his talent for retaining possession is just as crucial to Harry Redknapp's European aspirations.

He said: 'He's great to play with, especially if you are a defender.

'Half the job defensively is getting it clear towards your strikers – then you need them to keep it. Kanu does that brilliantly. He holds it up, is difficult to get the ball off, good in the air and is actually deceptively very strong.

'Athletic is probably the wrong way to describe him, but his overall strength on the ball is outstanding.

'As a defender, having a striker like that helps you get your concentration back in preparation for the next attack.

'It also gives you a bit more time than you normally have to have a breather. It helps so much.

'I'm sure that's one of the reasons Portsmouth got so many clean sheets last season.

'It's about defending from the front.

'You never really know what he's doing next. When I played with him, it was great looking up the field and watching him confuse other defenders as well.

'He showed in training what he could do and was technically outstanding. He could do anything with the ball – you just wanted him to score a few more goals.

'Since he left Arsenal his all-round game has come on. He's certainly been banging a few in at Portsmouth. But he also helps defensively.'

Kanu blotted his good start with a penalty miss against Liverpool on Saturday.

Dixon said: 'I've seen him take plenty in training and he's not that bad at all. He tends to wait for he keeper to dive but this time he waited a bit too long.'

What's your view? Is Kanu worth having in the team for his all-round play - or should he keep his place only if he scores regularly? Sign on ore register to submit a comment to the website or click here to send an e-mail. Please tell us who you are and where you live.