This summer has seen a flurry of players switch clubs all over Europe, but perhaps none with a story as big as Paul Pogba and his move back to Manchester United.
The Frenchman, who was allowed to leave for free and join Juventus four years ago, made a sensational return to Old Trafford this month, becoming the world’s most expensive player with an £89m price tag attached to his name.
The events which have unfolded in the last few days still have loads of fans buzzing, yet in Chelsea’s blue world, the imagination has been captivated by some other French guy.
The London club boldly went out and signed N’Golo Kante from Leicester City in what seems like a real bargain of a deal, as they only had to part with around £30m to secure the midfielder’s signature.
Kante was one of the main reasons Leicester won the title last season, and that fact has been brought even further to the fore now that the Foxes have failed to win a single game since his departure. They have already suffered a shock defeat to Premier League newcomers Hull City on opening day, having lost to United in the Community shield a week prior.
With both these French midfielders making big moves ahead of the season, we take a look at who could have the biggest impact on their respective team.
Pogba certainly seems the better signing at this point. He is undoubtedly a world-class player who would walk into the starting lineup at any team in the world. But looking at things from a functional angle, Kante may prove more important to Chelsea’s cause than Pogba to United’s.
The ex-Juventus man is always good for a few goals and assists every season. He is everything you want in a midfielder, possessing strength, flair, pace, versatility and an eye for goal. Last season, he scored eight goals and set up 12 others for the Serie A champions, and it’s highly unlikely that he will increase those stats significantly at United.
Because of his versatility, Jose Mourinho could struggle to find a set role for him, and he could end up playing in multiple positions as the season progresses. This could be an obvious hindrance, as consistency is a proven way of producing results.
As for Kante, there’s no confusion as to where he will play – or more so – what his role will be. Antonio Conte brought him to Chelsea for one reason and one reason only; and that’s to protect the back line.
While the 25-year-old doesn’t fill up a stat sheet, his functionality in the middle will be crucial for the Blues as they look to regain their status among England’s elite. He’s definitely no scorer, yielding a solitary goal along with four assists last term, but that’s not why he was in the team, and that’s not why he’s at Chelsea now.
He’s in the team to shield the defence, tackle, intercept, recover possession and start off counter-attacking plays. Anything else Chelsea get out of him should be considered a bonus, and we can be sure that he will chip in with a goal or two, as well as a few assists.
Former Arsenal defender and Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown seems to be in agreement here, writing that Kante was the summer’s best midfield signing in the Daily Mail.
N’Golo Kante has got great energy, tackling ability and recovery speed — it’ll be like having the Thames Barrier in midfield for Chelsea.
I don’t think anyone’s bought a better midfielder this summer — and that includes Paul Pogba.
We have a whole season to figure it out. But Kante already has a head start on his compatriot, as Pogba won’t even be able to suit up for United’s first game of the season due to a suspension carried over from Italy.
