One name that comes out top when searching through the top defensive midfielders in the world is that of Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi of modest English Premier League side Leicester City.
In the list only Ndidi doesn’t play for a team that is a force to reckon with in Europe with players like Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid, Idrissa Gueye of PSG, Casemiro of Real Madrid, N’golo Kante of Chelsea and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona listed in it.
One thing that will no doubt earn him a top spot in that league is if he pushes for a move this summer after enjoying what is arguably his best season since joining Leicester City, thanks to a proper definition of his role by Brendan Rodgers.
As expected top European teams like PSG, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been linked with the former Genk midfielder but in a recent interview he revealed that his main target is to remain and continue to grow at Leicester City, where he has a contract till the summer of 2024.
His statement is no doubt a prove of his loyalty to the team that earned him a dream move to the English Premier League but there is nothing that says a footballer shouldn’t aim higher. Afterall N’golo Kante left the same team where he made his name to Chelsea after a season not too different from what Ndidi is enjoying at the moment.
Back then Kante left Leicester City who were champions of the League hence guarantee a spot in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League to Chelsea who were not in any European competition. Meaning if Ndidi is planning on staying at Leicester because they are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, that isn’t a enough reason not to move to a team that is a regular campaigner in Europe even if they will miss out at the end of this season.
While Tomas Partey of Atletico Madrid is pushing for an exit from a team that is a force to reckon with in Europe, Ndidi referred to by many as the closest to the Ghana international isn’t entertaining any talk of an exit for a new challenge. Apparently enjoying the comfort zone he is chilling in at the Foxes.
However for Ndidi to be remembered as one of the best in his role in years to come he has to move to a team that will see him fight to keep his spot. Naturally that will no doubt bring about improvement in his game as competitions bring out the best in players most times.
That said the best time for Ndidi to leave is now. Time to try something new by taking a risk with a move away from his comfort zone. Like they say no risk, no reward.
Daniel Martins
