Five reasons Chelsea will defeat Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals

The battle of the midfield – Paul Pogba versus N’Golo Kante

N’Golo Kante is well on his way to winning his second title in two years. Some (including this writer) questioned the player’s move from last season’s winners Leicester City to the Blues. There’s no doubt now that he made the right choice.

Kante has established himself as one of Chelsea’s key players.  He stands just 5’7″ but the Frenchman has been a defensive standout for the Blues.

In last month’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool Kante showed what he is made. He won 14 of his 16 tackles. To put that in perspective, consider the fact that the next closest player (Jordan Henderson) made just four tackles.

Last week Kante was named the Players of the Year at the London Football Awards. He beat out Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez, Dele Alli and Danny Rose for that honor.

Paul Pogba returned to Manchester last summer in a blockbuster £89 million deal. So far he has not lived up to expectations or his price tag. Pogba has scored four league goals and contributed three assists. Not exactly numbers that will overly impress.

The player has also been criticized at times for his lackadaisical defensive work.

Following United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth last weekend Pogba received criticism. In his post match commentary for Sky Sports, former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher said, “He’s still nowhere near good enough and hasn’t got the discipline”.

Based on current form it looks likely that Kante will win this midfield battle.