Manchester City opinion: Ndombele vs Partey: Who would be a better option?

Manchester City’s record title win last season earned them a lot of plaudits. The likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero were highly praised for their phenomenal performances but the most important player in the squad was Fernandinho.

The Brazilian ran the show for City last season and is continuing to do the same again as Pep Guardiola’s side are in a tough battle with Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.

Irrespective of how the season ends, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will have to address the massive decision of replacing the Brazilian. Fernandinho will turn 34 in May and City will need a long-term replacement in the midfield.

Two of the biggest names that have been in the news for Fernandinho’s position are Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey and Olympique Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele.

Both of these dominant midfielders have had terrific seasons for their respective clubs but how do they fare against each other statistically? Let’s find out.

Defensive numbers

Partey, who has a €50million release clause, has been a solid campaigner under Diego Simeone and he provides the Atletico boss with real steel in the midfield. The Ghanaian averages 2.2 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.3 successful aerial duels won and 0.6 clearances so far this season.

The 25-year old’s performances have won him 5 man-of-the-match awards too, an impressive feat for a player who has started just 15 games. (WhoScored)

Ndombele, on the other hand, has played almost 500 minutes more than his counterpart and has been hugely impressive. The Frenchman averages 2 tackles per game, 0.8 interceptions, 0.5 successful aerial duels won and just 0.3 clearances so far in the Ligue 1 this season.

All of these stats are considerably inferior to Partey’s but Ndombele is 3 years younger. (WhoScored)

Verdict: Thomas Partey

Attacking numbers

Ndombele is yet to score in the league so far but has provided an impressive 6 assists from defensive midfield. The 22-year-old averages 1.3 key passes per game and 1.6 successful dribbles per game so far.

The £70m Man City target’s passing has been exceptional as he averages 57 passes per 90 minutes with an excellent passing accuracy of close to 90%. (WhoScored)

Partey has scored twice and has assisted 3 more in his 24 games this season. He averages 0.7 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles. Partey also averages fewer passes per game with an inferior passing accuracy when compared to the Lyon man so far this campaign. (WhoScored)

Verdict: Tanguy Ndombele

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Conclusion

Both players possess incredible individual traits in their game but Ndombele narrowly edges it, thanks to his passing stats. The Frenchman’s ability to retain possession will fit Pep Guardiola’s system perfectly and at just 22 years of age, he can develop into an even better player in the coming years.