Leicester champion reveals what made Kante so special

In partnership with

FanSided World Football

·18. März 2025

Leicester champion reveals what made Kante so special

Is Danny Drinkwater considered a Leicester City legend? Tough one. Yes, he's endured an awkward time away from King Power Stadium. But while he was here, he was a part of the unfathomable 2015/16 Premier League success. The midfielder also commanded a substantial transfer fee for the Foxes when he was sold to Chelsea. A relatively ridiculous contemporary amount to be fair, in retrospect of course. Drinkwater is an LCFC champion deserving some respect and gratitude from Leicester's Blue Army fan base.

Drinkwater was known for enjoying a deft, capable and impactful partnership with alien-like footballer N'golo Kante. At his best, Kante was the globe's preeminent anchoring midfield man. And Drinkwater accompanied as an underrated sidekick to that operation. Although they are incomparable fire and ice (I'm not sure who is who in that metaphor), they complemented one another beautifully.

OneFootball Videos

Again, Drinkwater's composure, passing ability and occasionally goal involvements weren't as appreciated or noted as other Incredibles squad members. Star teammates in that famed east Midlands team took the lion's share of praise. Players such as Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy (whose debatable future we wrote about today, if you're interested) were deservingly adored and revered. Kante the bewitching anomaly was once cherished by the Foxes faithful, along with Premier League spectators in general. And Drinkwater has now revealed just what made the Frenchman so special.

Ex-Leicester City player Danny Drinkwater on fellow Foxes alumnus N'golo Kante

Below are comments from DD:

"He’s almost everywhere but without being where you need him kind of thing, if that makes sense?“Say in like a flat two, a 4-4-2, you’re always working on ups and downs with your partner, ones attacking and ones defending.“He would do everything, so if I was looking to receive the ball of the centre-back, he’s probably there on the other side and then if I’m looking to get forward he’s already caught me up from receiving the ball himself.“It’s hard to put into words how good he was, especially for that team that year, it was unreal what he did.”Ferdinand then asked: “Is he the best partner you played with?”Drinkwater: “Yeah as a central midfield partnership, one hundred percent, yeah.”"Drinkwater on 'Rio Presents'