How Wilfred Ndidi fared Vs Kante

Ndidi showed quality against Chelsea and didn’t look less a player against Kante.

Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has exceeded all expectations that were placed on him when he arrived in Leicester City the winter of 2017.

Leicester City were stuttering in the Premier League, a title defence far from their mind as they languished in the bottom of the table, on the verge of relegation.
Ndidi arrived and took to the Premier League like duck to water, putting in consistent performances for Leicester City.
He also arrived to replace a huge player in N’Golo Kante who had played a very pivotal role in Leicester City’s unprecedented league title win of 2016.
More than a year later, Ndidi has become one of the top performing players at Leicester City and one of the first names in a matchday starting XI.
He is also currently the leading tackler in the Premier League and the top passer at Leicester City.
The 21-year-old has caught many eyes and has reportedly attracted the interest of Liverpool and Barcelona.

Ndidi Vs Kante

In Leicester City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the quarter-final of the FA Cup, on Sunday, March 18, he came face to face with Kante, the player he has taken after at Leicester City and one of the best midfielders in the world.
Ndidi though was not fazed, going toe to toe with Kante and for a long time during the game, dominating the midfield.
In the first half, he and his Leicester City teammates had much of the ball, passing it around but failing to cut through Chelsea.
In the 42 minute, he, however, failed to catch up with Willian before the Chelsea forward played a fine pass to Alvaro Morata who opened the scoring for Antonio Conte’s men.

In the second half, Ndidi dominated the whole of midfield, tackling strong and launching attacks as Leicester City searched for an equaliser.
In the 52nd minute, he played a fantastic through ball to Jamie Vardy but the striker could not direct the fine header to goal.
Ndidi ran into the Chelsea box to block Eden Hazard in the Leicester City box.
Two minutes later, he came up against Kante, but Ndidi was stronger in the tackle, dispossessing the French midfielder.
There was also a run into the Leicester City box to dispossess Willian in a show of defensive quality.
The FA Cup tie went to extra-time but Leicester City players including Ndidi was without legs at that point.

Kante had the last laugh, sending a cross into the Leicester City box for Pedro to outjump Kasper Schmeichel for Chelsea’s winner.
Despite the loss, Ndidi showed quality against Chelsea and didn’t look less a player against Kante.

SHARE

About Kayode