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NGOLO KANTE - THE LONE DM
Since Frank has deployed Kante as a lone DM, defensively in open play we have looked very strong. Kante at times acts as an auxiliary CB. His interceptions in the middle of the field destroy opposition plays.
This will be crucial moving forward...
1/8
Since Frank has deployed Kante as a lone DM, defensively in open play we have looked very strong. Kante at times acts as an auxiliary CB. His interceptions in the middle of the field destroy opposition plays.
This will be crucial moving forward...
1/8
Exhibit 1:
Kante dropping in between the CBs allows the CBs to support their full-backs on either side. Bringing a more resolute defensive structure.
Here Mahrez's whipped in cross is intercepted by Kante and the play is negated.
2/8
Kante dropping in between the CBs allows the CBs to support their full-backs on either side. Bringing a more resolute defensive structure.
Here Mahrez's whipped in cross is intercepted by Kante and the play is negated.
2/8
Exhibit 2:
Once again just sitting in front of the CBs and overlooking the entire defensive phase. Almost like a defensive commander.
Here he closes down the long-range shot. It's no surprise over the last few matches we have not conceded too many long-range shots.
3/8
Once again just sitting in front of the CBs and overlooking the entire defensive phase. Almost like a defensive commander.
Here he closes down the long-range shot. It's no surprise over the last few matches we have not conceded too many long-range shots.
3/8
Exhibit 3:
By sitting deep he reads the play extremely quickly. His athleticism allows him to destroy opposition build-up with electric speed interceptions.
He simply does not allow the opposition to breathe.
4/8
By sitting deep he reads the play extremely quickly. His athleticism allows him to destroy opposition build-up with electric speed interceptions.
He simply does not allow the opposition to breathe.
4/8
Exhibit 4:
At times his interceptions in the middle of the field catch out the opposition with fast breaks. A simple layoff to a flying Willian that leads to a penalty against City.
5/8
At times his interceptions in the middle of the field catch out the opposition with fast breaks. A simple layoff to a flying Willian that leads to a penalty against City.
5/8
Exhibit 5:
Here's another long-range shot blocked by Kante. He is able to do this as he is more central during the defensive phase and he can see before anyone what is transpiring in front of him.
Once again the pace and athleticism of Kante is magic!
6/8
Here's another long-range shot blocked by Kante. He is able to do this as he is more central during the defensive phase and he can see before anyone what is transpiring in front of him.
Once again the pace and athleticism of Kante is magic!
6/8
Exhibit 6:
Once again dropping deep as an auxiliary CB during a dangerous play by Leicester. These type of defensive interceptions gives the CBs immense boost of confidence.
7/8
Once again dropping deep as an auxiliary CB during a dangerous play by Leicester. These type of defensive interceptions gives the CBs immense boost of confidence.
7/8
Exhibit 7:
As Kante is the deepest midfielder now, off the ball when the opposition finds a passing lane, he is able to make a lateral movement to close down the play from any side.
This is the beauty of having him play deep. Destroys opposition play.
8/8
As Kante is the deepest midfielder now, off the ball when the opposition finds a passing lane, he is able to make a lateral movement to close down the play from any side.
This is the beauty of having him play deep. Destroys opposition play.
8/8
