Paul Pogba has more goals, assists, chances created and passes than N’Golo Kante in the Premier League this term, so why are people raving about Chelsea ace and slamming Manchester United star?
IT’S been a roller-coaster ride of year for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
First of all he was involved in last summer’s longest-running transfer saga, before eventually sealing his £89million move to Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba has come in for a lot of criticism this season, while everyone is raving about N’Golo Kante, but why such a stark contrast in opinions of the duo?Rex Features
Since then, the world has expected his to continue his Juventus form – slamming in long-range beauties and picking out millimetre-perfect assists.
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Despite the hype, fans and pundits alike have been left utterly underwhelmed by Pogba in 2016-17.
But is it just the fact the Frenchman is not living up to his mind-boggling price-tag?
Paul Pogba has been widely criticised in his first season back at Manchester UnitedPA:Press Association
After all, the world is still gushing over Chelsea man N'Golo Kante, whose impressive form has more than justified his £30m transfer fee after he joined from Leicester.
However, here's something you may not have known - Pogba is out-performing Kante in almost every, single measurable category this season.
The sample size is large and both players have played roughly the same amount of minutes, with the Chelsea man playing one extra game (80 more minutes), making all comparisons fair.
In spite of that, Pogba is leading Kante in goals, assists, shots on target, shooting accuracy and conversion, chances created, dribbling and total passes to name but a few.
In fact, the only categories the Blues ace leads in are tackles, distance covered and interceptions.
Now that's not to say Kante is not having a fantastic season - he is - but it's intriguing to see people quick to criticise Pogba, but rave about Chelsea's midfielder.
N'Golo Kante has been having a terrific debut season at ChelseaRex FeaturesPaul Pogba has helped Manchester United to the EFL Cup this seasonReuters
Perhaps the problem for Pogba is that he is being asked to do too much by Jose Mourinho - helping out defensively, creating, not to mentioning finishing attacks.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte is happy to let Kante thrive in his niche role, chasing down attackers, cleaning up and spreading the ball to more creative players such as Eden Hazard.
With that in mind, maybe Pogba could finally rekindle his staggering Serie A form if allowed to focus on one role.
N'Golo Kante has been allowed to shine under Antonio Conte in one roleRex FeaturesPaul Pogba would thrive at Man United if allowed to focus on purely attackingGetty Images
Should Mourinho manage to land one of his main targets - Monaco midfielder Fabinho - in the summer, the Frenchman may be allowed to focus 100 per cent on making menacing runs into the opposition area.
Simply put, there appears to be too much expected of Pogba, who is being spread to thinly at Old Trafford.
Bring in a player of Kante's ilk, let him loose and watch him tear up the turf once more...
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