Leicester City have exceeded most people’s expectations already this year, however the recent signs suggest that N’Golo Kante is ready to assert himself on the Premier League.
Kante was instrumental in the Foxes’ 2-1 victory at Norwich on the weekend, following their disappointing showing against Arsenal. It was Kante who passed to Vardy, directly leading to the penalty being awarded, while he also provided the assist for Jeffrey Schlupp’s first goal of the season.
Defensively, Kante’s six interceptions were more than any other on the field. With and without possession, Kante was outstanding. Accordingly, he was voted man of the match by Leicester fans on the club’s official Twitter account.
It is not only the fans singing the praises of the new man from Caen, however, with manager Claudio Ranieri effusive in his praise.
On the club’s official website, Ranieri stated: “He was fantastic. He presses the ball non-stop. I think he even presses people in the stands!”
It is also evident that the Leicester boss has grand plans for Kante, indicating that the club “bought Kanté for matches like this”.
Ranieri’s words in recent weeks will be music to Leicester fans’ ears, being far from conservative in his views of the player Kante can become for the Foxes. He has also drawn comparisons between Kante and a Premier League great, whom he managed at Chelsea.
When speaking of the Frenchman ahead of their ill-fated clash with Arsenal, Ranieri declared: “He is quiet but he can improve a lot because he can play like a central midfielder like when I had Makelele. Sometimes I put him in wide positions because I want him on the pitch.”
“If you remember well, Makelele was a winger at the beginning of his career and then he came inside for Celta Vigo in Spain, then with Real Madrid and then with us at Chelsea.”
“I think Kante can achieve this position. He is a very good midfielder.”
While many will dismiss the manager’s gushing as nothing more than hyperbole, comparing Kante’s start at Leicester to Makelele’s progression does carry some merit, even if it may seem rather premature to make such comparisons. During Kante’s final season with his former employers, according to Ranieri, he recovered possession more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Such a statistic is indicative of Kante’s obvious ability to read the game and anybody who has watched him this season, whether on the flank or in the middle of the park, has witnessed an incredible work ethic.
He plays a role that, as he begins to cement is starting position in Ranieri’s preferred XI, will prove to be ideal for the style the manager likes to employ.
Not only does Kante win the ball back, but according to Squawka, 82% of his passes are successful. Most importantly, 71% of his total passes are forward. In a side that plays so effectively on the break, such positivity is essential.
So far, Kante has been eased into the Premier League, being afforded time to settle, while also having to bide his time as he forced his way into a regular starting berth. He has now started four of the last five league fixtures.
Despite this, and his manager’s praise, Kante is refusing to get ahead of himself. When talking to lcfc.com, Kante admitted that he has taken some time to settle at his new home and understands the importance of his on-field development.
“I didn’t realise how intense it was. It wasn’t something I expected until I played. I realise now it is a really good level and all the teams have really good players. I knew you have to fight really hard to win a game.
“I realise I still have a long way to go and there is plenty of room for improvement to become a Premier League player.”
While the men further afield for the Foxes are attracting the most media attention currently, one should not estimate the role that Kante has played in recent weeks, and is likely to play for the remainder of the season. The versatility he has displayed will also be an important feather in his cap.
If his development continues, Leicester may in fact have their own Makelele one day, if his manager’s faith in him is anything to go by.
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