How Leicester City star compares to Arsenal, Man Utd midfielders

Ndidi was signed by Leicester City in the January transfer window to replace N’golo Kante who was an influential figure for the Foxes as they shocked world football by winning the Premier League title in 2016.

12 games later for Leicester City, the young Nigeria international continues to show glimpses of greatness which has triggered transfer tittle-tattles about him.

ALSO READ: Wilfred Ndidi moves into new home in Leicester

The latest was that Leicester City are now scared of losing the young talent to Premier League giants, .

According to reports Arsenal and several known European clubs were interested in him before Leicester City signed him.

“Our recruitment department take a real pat on the back for that. We did a lot of homework on him and I think we were one of the first clubs, if not the first, to show an interest in him,” Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare said about Ndidi.

With the reported Leicester City fear of losing him to Arsenal and Manchester United, analyse how the Super Eagles man compares to midfielders at the clubs.

Wilfred Ndidi

One of the most impressive things about Ndidi is his composure which transcends his age. The youngster incredible composure on the ball and his wide range of passing have also caught the eyes.

At the age of 20, he still has a lot to grasp about his positioning on the middle of the pitch and his tackling skill.

In 10 Premier League games so far, Ndidi has 74% passing accuracy, won 44% of his average duel and has no total defensive error.

How he compares to Manchester United midfielders

At Manchester United, we pit Ndidi against Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera who have played in the defensive midfield position just like the Nigerian defender.

Carrick has been one of Manchester United’s most consistent performers this season.

In 15 Premier League appearances, Carrick has no goal, 89% passing accuracy and has won 57% of his duel.

At the age of 35, Carrick is sure coming to the end of his days at Manchester United and Ndidi seems the right candidate to replace him. At the age of 20, the Nigerian midfielder has lots of years to offer Manchester United just as Carrick has done over the years.

Herrera has been one of the best players at United this season and has played in different positions in midfield.

In 23 league games, the fiery midfielder also has no goals, 22 shot accuracy, 88% average pass accuracy and won 4e8% of his duels.

Ndidi would be a perfect midfield partner for Herrera, sitting deep to allow the Spaniard to do the running around.

How he compares to Arsenal midfielders

At Arsenal, Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin are the midfielders, Ndidi would replace or compete with if he joins the Gunners.

Xhaka has been preferred for the DM position by Arsene Wenger and the Swiss international has huge similarities with Ndidi.

They are both good passers of the ball, have little problems with positioning and tackling and also good shooters of the ball.

In 22 league games, Xhaka has 20 shot accuracy, has an average pass accuracy of 89% and won an average duel of 46%.

With the similarities between them, Ndidi will have to compete with Xhaka for a place in the starting XI.

Both can also play together with both of them exchanging places in midfield.

Coquelin of recent has been used as a second defensive, further up the pitch, chasing down balls and players in their other end of the pitch while Xhaka sits deep.

In 23 league games, the 25-year-old has an average pass accuracy of 87% and won 48% of his average duels.

Coquelin has been criticised for his on the ball abilities and his passing and Ndidi is a better candidate. The Nigerian has better passing, shooting and composure on the ball to offer.