Ndidi: Tackling England’s Elite
Since his switch from Belgian side Genk in January 2017, the 22-year-old has developed into one of the most successful defensive midfielders in England’s top tier.
Ndidi’s 138 tackles in 2017/18 saw him top the charts ahead of Idrissa Gueye and former Fox N’Golo Kanté, and his performances during his 38 Premier League appearances last term resulted in another impressive statistic.
After a look at how Kasper Schmeichel, Ricardo Pereira and James Maddison have all fared in 2018/19, LCFC.com now analyses Ndidi’s role for the Foxes.
He’ll take the ball from you…
Wilfred Ndidi's Best 2018/19 Moments
Watch a selection of Wilfred Ndidi's highlights from his second full season in England's top flight.
Tackles completed: 143
Premier League standing: 1
LCFC standing: 1
Ndidi’s 143 tackles sees him take top spot ahead of Senegal central midfielder Gueye (142), Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (129) and fellow Fox Ricardo (118).
Since making his debut against Chelsea in January 2017, Ndidi has completed 349 tackles, with a success rate of 65 per cent.
He has completed 81 successful 50-50 challenges and has won 791 duels during a total of 88 Premier League games.
In the way
Interceptions made: 83
Premier League standing: 3
LCFC standing: 1
Alongside his tackling ability, the Nigerian enforcer ranks third in relation to interceptions made during the 2018/19 Premier League season.
Improving vastly on the 50 interceptions he made the previous campaign, only Watford’s Étienne Capoue (86) and Palace’s Wan-Bissaka (84) made more interceptions than Ndidi.
He has completed a total of 169 interceptions throughout his Premier League career, and has made 737 recoveries, further complementing his defensive skill.
An aerial presence
Aerial battles won: 131
Premier League (midfielders) standing: 1
LCFC standing: 1
Ndidi’s 131 aerial battles won during 2018/19 once again puts him top of the charts among England’s top-flight midfielders, again building on his 2017/18 tally of 117.
In the Premier League rankings, he has won 43 more aerial battles than the next highest midfielder – Huddersfield Town’s Philip Billing (88).
To date, he has won 307 aerial battles in the Premier League and has made 117 headed clearances in 88 matches.