Comparing N’Golo Kante’s stats this season to last after his change of role
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante endured a tough season by his standards last term but looks far more on top of things now.
Kante’s campaign was disrupted by injuries, and it showed, as he wasn’t his usual dominant self in the middle of the park.
A change of role has also been of benefit, as Kante is back playing in a holding midfield position, as opposed to the more box-to-box style that was asked of him last term.
While there is now greater competition in Frank Lampard’s midfield, Kante seems more important than ever, starting every Premier League game so far.
The 29-year-old even wore the captain’s armband during the 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
We think that Kante is brilliant to watch at his best, so are naturally delighted to see the midfielder is back in his favoured position and on an upward trajectory.
We’ve taken a look at the Frenchman’s statistics from this season and last to see how this alteration has made a difference to Kante’s performances.
The benefit of being in a deeper role is clear here, as Kante has shown improvements in each of the defensive areas included below, while he is also more precise with his passing.
Dribbling is the only area of Kante’s game that has regressed this term, but that isn’t needed as much with the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz having been brought in to provide added attacking flair.
N'Golo Kante vs the world 😎#CHETOT pic.twitter.com/BFwbziPEax
— Goal (@goal) November 29, 2020
2019 vs 2020
3 – goals – 0
0 – assists – 1
2.3 – tackles per 90 minutes – 2.8
69.7% – tackle success rate – 70%
2.3 – interceptions per 90 minutes – 2.8
38.5% – aerial duels success rate – 53.3%
84.9% – pass success rate – 88.9%
1.4 – chances created per 90 minutes – 0.6
1.2 – successful dribbles per 90 minutes – 0.8
60% – dribble success rate – 66.7%
More Chelsea
Scott Minto: When I joined Chelsea, their training ground was shocking
Can you name the first all-foreign Premier League starting XI?
15 of the best quotes about N’Golo Kante: ‘He’s like a rat, he’s everywhere’
‘He never said no’ – 11 reasons why it’s impossible not to love N’Golo Kanté