When Chelsea visit Manchester United on Sunday looking for three more points to take them closer to the Premier League title, one of the key battles is set to be between two Frenchmen in midfield.
Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who have enjoyed contrasting first seasons at their new clubs, will go toe to toe in what promises to be a compelling contest.
While Pogba’s propensity to shoot is well known – only six players have attempted more than his 88 shots this season – his importance to controlling Manchester United’s play is understated.
Only Liverpool's James Milner has had more touches in the top flight this season, while only Kevin De Bruyne, of Manchester City, has made more passes.
Indeed no outfield player has made more passes into the final third, and the 52 goalscoring chances Pogba has created is a potent reminder of his attacking threat.
Pogba involvement 2016/17
| Total | PL rank | |
| Passes | 2,009 | 2nd |
| Passes into final third | 333 | 1st |
| Touches | 2,623 | 2nd |
Seeking to minimise his compatriot’s impact is Chelsea's Kante.
Despite playing for a team who enjoy more possession than Leicester City did last season, Kante is still second in the division for tackles and appears in the top 15 for interceptions in 2016/17.
Top PL tacklers
| Player | Club | Tackles |
| Idrissa Gueye | EVE | 122 |
| N'Golo Kante | CHE | 105 |
| Erik Pieters | STK | 96 |
| Oriol Romeu | SOU | 92 |
| Jordan Henderson | LIV | 88 |
Kante has been present for 12 of Chelsea's 13 clean sheets this season and knows another on Sunday will represent a major step towards sealing the Premier League title.
