Player Focus: Unheralded Kante Leicester's Unsung Hero
Leicester City’s start to the season has been nothing short of spectacular. The Foxes are indeed the surprise package this campaign, currently atop the Premier League and Claudio Ranieri deserves ample credit for the club’s stunning form. The Italian has continued Nigel Pearson’s good work from the end of last season and turned Leicester into genuine European contenders, a feat deemed unimaginable when he took charge.
The appointment of Ranieri was widely ridiculed, with many of the opinion that Leicester would have succumbed to relegation come May 2016, so for his side to currently sit at the summit of England’s top tier is remarkable. A huge factor in their success under Ranieri thus far has been the performances of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. The attacking pairing currently sit third and first, respectively, in the Premier League’s top rated players section, with Vardy (7.82) and Mahrez (8.33) already mooted as player of the season candidates.
Vardy has scored more goals (14) than any other player in England’s top tier this term and holds the record for most consecutive Premier League games scored in (11). It’s not beyond reason to suggest he could land the Golden Boot this season when comparing the odds from the best betting sites. Meanwhile, only a handful of players have been directly involved in more league goals than Mahrez (16) in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season - that figure level with Vardy - with the Algerian awarded more WhoScored man of the match awards (7) than any other player in the top 5 divisions on the continent so far.
Yet, while the duo have drawn the praise, there is a Leicester star operating deeper than Vardy and Mahrez whose exploits are only now truly being recognised. Back in August, this writer wrote how N’Golo Kante’s capture was a real coup for Leicester. The Foxes required a natural holding midfielder to cover for the loss of Esteban Cambiasso, who departed for Olympiacos after a solitary season at the King Power Stadium. While Kante does not boast the experience of the player he replaced, his athleticism means he was a worthy heir to Cambiasso’s thrown for Leicester.
The Frenchman’s WhoScored rating (7.36) is the third best of all Leicester players. While Vardy and Mahrez wreak havoc on unsuspecting defences, Kante is the man to ensure the Foxes aren’t caught short at the back. The former Caen star has made more interceptions (64) than any other Premier League player. Moreover, in Europe’s top 5 leagues, Kante has made more tackles and interceptions combined (121) than any one else. It’s fair to say the 24-year-old has transitioned from French to English football with consummate ease.
Alongside Danny Drinkwater, Kante has rapidly established himself as a first team regular under Ranieri, this coming despite being utilised more as a substitute upon his arrival in England. Ranieri has managed his adaptation to Premier League football astutely and it’s fair to say the club are reaping the benefits. Such has been the impact of his performances, that fellow summer signing Gokhan Inler has been limited to just 120 minutes of league action following his arrival.
The youngster’s commendable reading of the game is easily his strongest asset and is a quality way beyond his years. This helps ease the pressure on the defence and alongside Drinkwater, who has won possession in the midfield third more times (84) than any other player in the Premier League this season, the duo have formed a highly resilient partnership in the middle of the park for Leicester, boosting the club’s chances of glory.
With Kante in the right place at the right time to stem the flow of attacks on Kasper Schmeichel’s goal, he is then presented with the chance to instigate offensive moves for his side. Only Drinkwater (53.4) is averaging more passes per league game than Kante (34.7) of all Leicester players, while the latter's pass success rate (82.1%) is the second best of all Foxes performers to register at least 150 minutes of top-flight action this term.
Without question, Kante has been Leicester’s unsung hero this season. While Vardy and Mahrez have been praised to high heaven for their performances, and rightly so, their respective form has masked what has been a superb start to life in England for the Paris-born midfielder. One would even go as far to say that Kante can be considered one of the signings of the season such has been his form for Leicester.
The unheralded all-action midfielder has a key role to play if the Foxes are to secure unexpected silverware this campaign, with Kante already a vital cog in the Leicester machine.
Do you think N'Golo Kante has been the Premier League's signing of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
