The 2023-24 season saw some top European footballers move to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Pro League is one of the world’s most emerging leagues. Some top clubs in Saudi Arabia are investing heavily to strengthen their team. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and others have already made their mark on the Asian continent.
Some of these players are in the last few seasons of their careers. These players moved to Saudi to earn good salaries and end their careers with some money in their banks. One thing that no one can take out from these players is their class. The performances on the pitch have impressed many and a few names could return to Europe this season.
Al-Ittihad’s N’Golo Kante is one such player. The Frenchman suffered injuries during the last couple of seasons at Chelsea. He played the 2023-24 season for the Saudi club and made a return to the French national team. His performances at the Euros were recognised by many. Top clubs are aiming to strengthen their squad and Kante is one of their primary targets. Barcelona are one such club that is interested in the World Cup winner. Let’s look at how N’Golo Kante’s return could strengthen Barcelona‘s young midfield.
Al-Ittihad’s midfield engine
The 33-year-old Frenchman was a regular part of Al-Ittihad’s midfield. His side struggled but the player showed his class. Kante represented the Saudi club at various competitions. The Frenchman struggled during his end days at Chelsea but found his form in the Saudi Pro League.
N’Golo Kante’s presence in the middle of the park, especially, on the right side, makes him a threat to any opposition. His defensive territory shows that the player performed defensive actions all over the field. He gave away a few fouls to stop the opposition from advancing. The pizza chart shows that Kante is ranked highly for his passing among other players in Tier 4,5 and 6 of league football.
N’Golo Kante ended the season with five assists. He is not known for his creativity but showed som class in Saudi Arabia. Most of his shot assists landed in easy scoring areas.
The first plot reflects the player’s skill in delivering precise passes into the penalty area, a critical aspect of breaking down defences. Kante was the best among every RCM in attempting and delivering passes to the opposition penalty box.
The second plot reflects the player’s skill in delivering progressive passes, a critical aspect of breaking down defences. Once again Kante was among the best for delivering progressive passes.
One of the primary reasons behind Kante’s successful career is his ability to recover the ball. He found his touch in the last campaign and made some outstanding high regains. He averaged around three counter-pressing and one dangerous recovery per match. These recoveries often helps the team to keep their attacking momentum.
N’Golo Kante could be heading to Europe. However, it won’t be easy for Barcelona to land him due to their financial constraints. In case he signs then the Spanish club could get a huge boost for the next campaign. The young midfielders could learn from him.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine