Can Nampalys Mendy Fill The Void Created By N'Golo Kante's Exit At Leicester City.

By Ewah Chika.

Nampalys Mendy might be an unknown name outside France but that is not to say the former Monaco defensive midfielder is short of quality.

"I know the coach (Claudio Ranieri), I know his mentality and I know his philosophy . When he speaks it's direct and clear for me I like this.


"I am very happy to come to Leicester City . The team have just enjoyed a great season and it's excellent to be here. For me I want to play at this level," the midfielder said upon signing for Leicester last month.

Mendy is one of France's top rated quality midfielders after shinning in a Nice side that finished fourth last season under present Southampton coach Claude Puel.

Mendy arrived in Leicester for £13 million last month which is £3 million short of Leicester's £16 million record signing of CSKA Moscow's and Nigerian Ahmed Musa (forward). At 24, Mendy boasts a wealth of experience in French Ligue 1 having made over 110 appearances and five for the French U-21 side . The French man though similar to Kante is a better passer of the ball with an impeccable pass success rate of 90% with over two-thirds of them forward passes which accounts for his one goal and two assists in 38 league games last season. Mendy is also resislent , humble , intelligent and excellent on the ball.  The player is a leader having captained Nice last season.

Based on playing patterns, Mendy  is a more attacking defensive midfielder with a better shot accuracy although he lacks the energy of Kante. Also compared to Kante , Mendy boasts a better aerial ability compared to Kante although the difference is not a big one. The former Nice player is also considered more versatile than Kante considering he can function as an attacking midfielder in certain games.

However, with all his qualities , one area the midfielder will have to improve if he is to succeed and seamlessly replace Kante is his tackling which is still light years behind the current Chelsea signing .

Though stepping into Kante's shoes might be a big task for the former Monaco player, it should be recalled that it was the same feeling Leicester fans had about Kante last summer after the exit of experienced veteran Esteban Cambiasso to Olympiakos. Though it is still too early to predict, Nampalys Mendy might be the new hero for Leicester City fans after the £30 million exit of Kante to Chelsea.