# Analyzing N'Golo Kanté's Pass Success Rate for Al Ittihad
N'Golo Kanté, the celebrated French midfielder, has been a subject of interest since his move to Al Ittihad in 2022. Known for his relentless energy and work rate, Kanté has been a key player for the Saudi Arabian club, but his pass success rate has sparked some debate among football analysts and fans. This article delves into Kanté's performance at Al Ittihad, focusing on his pass accuracy, and evaluates how he has adapted to the club's style of play.
## Kanté's Role at Al Ittihad
Kanté was signed by Al Ittihad as a box-to-box midfielder, a role that requires physicality, tenacity, and the ability to break lines with driving runs. His arrival was seen as a statement of intent by the club, aiming to dominate the Saudi Pro League. However, Kanté's pass success rate has been a point of curiosity. Unlike his previous stints at Leicester City and Chelsea, where he excelled in possession, Kanté has struggled slightly at Al Ittihad.
## Pass Success Rate: A Closer Look
Kanté's pass success rate at Al Ittihad is approximately 82%, which is still a decent figure, but it’s lower than his career average. This drop can be attributed to the unique demands of Al Ittihad's style of play. The club prefers a direct approach, emphasizing long balls and quick transitions rather than intricate passing. Kanté, often seen as a "poker" in possession, has had to adjust his game to fit into this system.
While his ability to break lines with precise long balls has been a highlight, his tendency to dictate play through short passes has been somewhat limited. This has led to some critics questioning whether Kanté's defensive contributions are impacting his pass accuracy. However, Kanté has remained a consistent presence in Al Ittihad's midfield, often covering vast distances and contributing to the team's defensive stability.
## The Benefits of Kanté's Contributions
Despite the lower pass success rate, Kanté's impact on Al Ittihad has been undeniable. His work rate and ability to cover ground have allowed his teammates, such as Karim Benzema and Salem Aslam, to thrive in attacking positions. Kanté's defensive contributions have also been crucial, often tracking back to help his backline.
Moreover, Kanté's presence has inspired his teammates to up their game, as his relentless energy sets a high standard for the rest of the squad. This has been evident in Al Ittihad's improved performance this season, with the club sitting near the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
## Criticisms and Future Outlook
While Kanté's pass success rate may not match his peak years, his overall contribution to Al Ittihad cannot be understated. His adaptability and ability to perform in different systems have been key factors in his career. However, some fans and analysts have questioned whether Kanté's influence on the game has been as significant as expected, given the lower pass success rate.
Still, there is no doubt that Kanté has brought a unique dynamic to Al Ittihad. His ability to adapt to the club's style of play, coupled with his leadership qualities, has made him a valuable asset. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Kanté can reignite his passing prowess and help Al Ittihad achieve their goal of winning the league.
In conclusion, N'Golo Kanté's pass success rate at Al Ittihad may not be as high as in his previous clubs, but his all-around contributions have been invaluable. As the season unfolds, fans will be eager to see whether Kanté can once again rise to the occasion and lead Al Ittihad to success.