Comparing Chelsea’s Kante and Manchester United’s Matic – Stats show that the Frenchman is defensively better

N’Golo Kante vs Nemanja Matic stats comparison – Who has been the best so far?

With the remaining half of the season in full-swing, the scramble to secure a top-four spot will only intensify. Out of all the candidates, defending champions Chelsea and Manchester United are both primed to finish in the top-four. They have endured several highs and lows this season but have managed to maintain their stronghold on their position.

When it comes to these teams, there are two players who often standout in high-pressure situations and are particularly effective at pulling the strings.

Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante – both defensive midfielders by trade – have exerted an unparalleled amount of influence on their respective teams. Matic was a summer arrival at Old Trafford and he has helped them establish a lot more control in the midfield for the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, Kante has been a part of Chelsea for quite some time and very few players can be as dominating in midfield as the Frenchman.

They are easily one of the best in the Premier League at present but which player has been more influential this season so far? Let’s compare their stats and find that out.

Nemanja Matic vs N’Golo Kante

In 31 appearances across competitions for Manchester United this season, Matic is yet to score a goal but he did chip in with a solitary assist. He has picked up 4 yellow cards so far and averages 0.5 shots per game.

His pass success rate stands at a decent 86.6% and the player wins about 1.7 aerial duels on an average. He has won the Man of the Match award once and as far as his defensive contribution is concerned, Matic averages 1.8 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 1.4 clearances.

Meanwhile, Kante has also appeared 31 times for Chelsea in all competitions this season. He has scored one goal and is yet to provide any assists. Having picked up three yellow cards so far, the former Leicester City star averages 0.8 shots per game and has a pass success rate of 89.3%.

He wins about 0.5 aerial duels in every match was declared Man of the Match on a solitary occasion. When it comes to the defence, Kante makes an average of 3.3 tackles, 2 interceptions and 0.8 clearances.

Verdict

As one can see, their numbers are more or less similar but Kante has outclassed Matic when it comes to defending. The Chelsea midfielder has been particularly effective at breaking up attacks and shielding the back line, thus making him stand out on that front.

However, we still have time ahead of us and Matic will have to work on his defensive skills if he is to catch up to Kante this season.