Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is at risk of losing one of the Premier League’s most remarkable defensive records, nearly a decade after setting a benchmark that highlighted his dominance in midfield.
The Nigerian international remains the only player in the last ten seasons to record over 300 duels won and 300 possession recoveries in a single campaign, a feat he achieved during Leicester City’s 2018/19 season.
At the peak of his powers, Ndidi was widely regarded as one of the world’s finest defensive midfielders. His aggressive ball-winning ability, relentless work rate, and tactical discipline made him indispensable to Leicester’s setup and attracted strong interest from elite clubs, including Manchester United.
His 2018/19 statistics, confirmed by Squawka data, placed him ahead of every other Premier League midfielder defensively across the past decade.
However, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is now closing in on that long-standing milestone. According to current statistics, the English midfielder has already won 203 duels and regained possession 211 times this season.
With 13 Premier League fixtures remaining, Anderson is widely tipped to surpass Ndidi’s landmark achievement, placing him among the league’s most influential defensive midfielders.
Anderson’s impressive rise has not gone unnoticed, with several top European clubs monitoring his progress.
Reports suggest Manchester City and Manchester United are both interested in securing his signature, with potential transfer fees expected to exceed €100 million if his development continues at its current pace.
Breaking Ndidi’s record would significantly enhance Anderson’s reputation and further solidify his status as one of the Premier League’s elite midfield enforcers.
Meanwhile, Ndidi has embarked on a new chapter in his career following his departure from Leicester City last summer after a decade of service. The 29-year-old has since joined Turkish giants Besiktas, where he continues to demonstrate his defensive excellence in the Super Lig.
Even if Anderson ultimately eclipses the record, Ndidi’s achievement remains extraordinary, particularly considering it has taken seven years for another player to approach the standard he set.
His legacy as one of the Premier League’s most dominant defensive midfielders remains firmly intact.
