Back in 2020, I watched Independiente del Valle play Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores. A young Ecuadorian midfielder wearing number 55 stood out right away. I’d heard Manchester United were watching him, and as someone who follows transfers closely, I wanted to see what made him special.
Before the hype, before the big money, before the Premier League lights, I saw a kid who moved like N’Golo Kante, full of energy, closing down space fast, and winning balls with ease.
Now, Moises Caicedo isn’t just another Kante comparison. He’s the most expensive defensive midfielder in the world, a £115 million player wearing Chelsea blue and following the path of his idol.But as MSport’s in-house DataScout, I wanted to look beyond the emotion. The real question is simple: who truly controls the midfield better, Kante in his prime or the Caicedo we’re seeing today?
Let’s find out.
The Profiles
N’Golo Kante (2016–17, Chelsea)
At his best, Kante wasn’t just a midfielder; he was a system on his own. He ran like two players, pressed like three, and won every loose ball as if it mattered more to him than anyone else. His 2016–17 season under Antonio Conte set the standard for what a true ball-winner should be. He didn’t just defend; he stopped attacks before they even started. When Kante played, you could feel Chelsea’s heartbeat through his work.
As Paul Pogba joked, “Everybody knows that N’Golo Kante can run for 11 players; that’s his best quality… He’s everywhere!
Moises Caicedo (2024–25, Chelsea)
Enzo Maresca put it perfectly: “For me, him and Rodri… in this moment they are the two best defensive midfielders in the world.”
That shows how fast he’s gone from South America’s fields to being mentioned among the best in Europe.
Stats: Kante (2016–17) vs Caicedo (2024–25):
📊 Games = Kante (35), Caicedo (38)
📊 Tackles Made = Kante (127), Caicedo (114)
📊 Interceptions = Kante (82), Caicedo (49)
📊 Passes Attempted = Kante (2,122), Caicedo (2,153)
📊 Passes Accuracy = Kante (88.78%), Caicedo (90.15%)
📊 Ground Duels Won = Kante (178), Caicedo (200)
📊 Chances Created = Kante (22), Caicedo (30)
📊 Clearances = Kante (41), Caicedo (51)
📊 Assists = Kante (1), Caicedo (2)
📊 Goals = Kante (1), Caicedo (1)
Kante wins on pure defensive numbers: more tackles, more interceptions, and more disruption. But Caicedo shades him slightly in passing, chance creation, and possession.It’s not that Caicedo tackles less; he has to think differently. In today’s Chelsea, he often sits deeper and dictates tempo.
Achievements & Legacy
If numbers tell one story, trophies tell another. They show the true impact a player had.
N’Golo Kante (2016–17 Season)
🏆 Premier League Champion
⭐ PFA Player of the Year
⭐ Premier League Player of the Season
⭐ FWA Footballer of the Year
⭐ Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year
Moises Caicedo (2024–25 Season)
🏆 UEFA Conference League Champion
⭐ Chelsea Player of the Season
⭐ Chelsea Players’ Player of the Season
🥉 FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Ball
Kante’s 2016–17 was dominance at its peak; Caicedo’s 2024–25 feels like the start of something special.
Final Verdict
N’Golo Kante at his peak is still the standard for every defensive midfielder. His energy, timing, and impact on games were unmatched. He didn’t just stop attacks; he turned defense into something beautiful to watch.
Moises Caicedo, though, isn’t trying to be a copy. He’s the modern version of what Kante started: calmer on the ball, smarter with his positioning, and more focused on control.
So, who’s better?
👉 At their best: Kante, no question.
👉 In terms of potential, Caicedo is closer than most think.
Prime N’Golo Kante, the superior midfielder, legacy secured
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