The Blues midfielder is finally being recognised but it took almost a decade before people saw his genius
N'Golo Kante has finally been recognised as the individual champion that he has always been after adding the FWA Footballer of the Year award to his PFA Player of the Year accolade.
His double award has come a year too late, but it is better late than never and you can be sure Kante will remain humble after a decade-long battle to get to the top of the game.
Kante's former Leicester team-mate Riyad Mahrez won the PFA prize last season, with Jamie Vardy taking the FWA honour, and it has taken an extra year of relentless running, tackling and composed passing for the France international to finally catch the eye.
In the past two seasons, Kante has been number one for tackles with Everton's Idrissa Gueye following closely behind. Kante has more tackles than any other player since he joined the Premier League with 289 and counting.
He only has one goal and one assist in the league but his strike against Manchester United in the FA Cup was crucial too. He is the sixth-highest passer in the Premier League currently with 2,011 and a pass completion rate of 88.7% which shows his ability is more than just tackling and defending.
Antonio Conte has developed Kante to be more decisive in the final third and his passing has improved hugely since his £32 million move to west London. He has also had the seventh-most touches of the ball, despite not being in the top 30 players for minutes on the pitch.
Tackles, passes and touches show that, when you watch Chelsea live, you will be watching Kante putting in an integral display every time.
His award double is timely, as his side chase a league and cup double, and his rise to prominence is remarkable given Kante's early career.
Kante struggled to find a professional team only 10 years ago as he faced rejection at 16 years old and learned accountancy, coming close to falling out of the game.
0 comments
Comment Now