AuthorJeffEyesRimmer Much has been written of N’Golo Kantes impact on Leicester last season and Chelsea this season, in fact I wrote that losing him was one reason for Leicesters poor form this season. It is looking likely that Kante will become the first player in EPL history to win two tittle two seasons in a row with two different teams and it would be thoroughly deserved. Hes been brilliant and has to be on the list for player of the season surely. Kante has brought a level of dynamism to the EPL and a different style of central midfielder. I don’t think you can class Kante as a defensive midfielder as such, hes more than that. It’s a style that breaks up play further up the pitch, with more tackles and interceptions in the oppositions half of the field than in your own. This obviously leads to more opportunities at goal and many teams will be looking at the impact of this all running, all tackling midfield role and searching for the next Kante. There are a number of players that fit the bill nicely. Below are just a few young players that could transfer targets for teams searching for their own Kante. Marco Verratti - PSG
I shall start with the most famous player on this list, Marco Verratti. The 24 year old has stamped his place into the PSG side as a hard working playmaker and has become a full Italian International. Often compared to Andrea Pirlo for his passing ability I think it’s a bit unfair to put him into that box. Verratti does have superb passing skills (83.5 % average) but his all running approach and enthusiasm to get forward sets him aside from Pirlo, in fact they have played together for Italy and the difference can be seen. He has played 19 games this season in Ligue 1 and has scored 2 goals with 4 assists, but it’s his tackles per game, an average of 3.1, that is up there is Kante (3.6). Verratti is currently at a top side but with his range of passing and tackling skills it might be only a matter of time till he graces the EPL or La Liga. Youri Tielemans - Anderlecht A product of the Anderlecht youth academy and now a full Belgium international, I think it’s only a matter of time until he makes a big money move. As well as breaking into one of the best international sides in the world, the 19 year old has played in the Champions League and Europa League too. So far this season Tielemans has scored 12 goals, more than anyone else on this list by a long way, helping Anderlecht to joint first in the league. A passing accuracy of over 80%, an average of 2.6 tackles per game and 2 interceptions per game puts him up there with the best of them. Being able to merge both the goals and his defensive qualities will only result in a big club coming in for the youngster. Tiemoue Bakayoko – Monaco The French under-21 International has been making his mark in a superbly entertaining Monaco side this season. The 22 year old has been very much a major factor in how Monaco has become such an attacking force. With an average of 2.6 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per game Bakayoko is the spring board for the likes of Falaco, Mbappe and Germain to sweep teams aside. The youngster has also scored 2 goals this season to add a bit of attacking flair into his game. The central midfielder has been scouted by several teams across Europe and with good appearances in the UCL as well I can see a team making an offer in the summer. Mahmoud Dahoud – Borussia Monchengladbach Dahoud was the first Syrian born player to play in the Bundesliga at the tender age of 18 in 2014. Although born in Syria, his allegiance lies with Germany, appearing at all youth levels for Germany. His signature is highly sought after, with both Liverpool and PSG known to be interested, especially after he rejected the chance to extend his contract this season. The midfielder has played 15 times this season, with 1 goal and 3 assists to his name. His passing has been above 80% as well this season, with him improving that in the Europa League up to 88%! An average of 2.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game as well and we can see why there is interest. Naby Keita – RB Leipzig RB Leipzig has been the surprise package of the Bundesliga this season and part of that is due to Naby Keita. The Guinea international is more of the typical box to box midfielder than others on this list and his 4 goals and 6 assists show that. With an average of 2.7 tackles and 2.7 interceptions per game the 22 year old seems to have it all. Of all the players on this list Keita is the one I expect to make the move to the EPL sooner rather than later. There are several top sides in the EPL in need of a player in the mould of Keita; I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bit of a bidding war for him in the summer. Who else do you think could step up and be the next Kante? |
AuthorsJust Some Fans Writing About Football. Archives
June 2018
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