Matt Le Tissier believes that Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama is better than his Manchester United counterpart Nemanja Matic.
The pair are recognised as two of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, who help protect the backline with their covering work.
Wanyama has enjoyed a superb first 12 months with Spurs and was an ever-present in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up last season.
The Kenya international was integral to the club’s second-placed finish in the Premier League and his defensive work allowed teammates such as Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen to flourish.
Meanwhile, Matic has completed a move to United this summer and already made a strong impact at Old Trafford.
The Serbian won two Premier League titles during his time with Chelsea and now looks like being a crucial player in Jose Mourinho’s side at United.
Sky Sports pundit Le Tissier has been discussing a combined Chelsea-Tottenham XI ahead of their Premier League clash and picked out Wanyama and N’Golo Kante as the best defensive midfielders in England.
Kane is widely regarded as the best in his position in the Premier League, but Le Tissier also suggests that Wanyama has the upper hand over Matic.
“I’ve gone with the two best holding midfielders in the Premier League in front of my back four,” he told Sky Sports. “Former Blue Nemanja Matic is obviously decent in that role but I think there’s more to N’Golo Kante and Victor Wanyama.”
OPINION
Matic’s £40million move to United splits opinion among fans, but if he can rediscover his best form then he is worth every penny. The 29-year-old can be a real driving force in the centre of midfield when he is at his game and was instrumental in the opening day 4-0 win over West Ham. He is brilliant at interceptions and also very comfortable on the ball. Wanyama has turned out to be a super £11million signing for Spurs and fits perfectly into their side. He probably had the edge over Matic last season in terms over performance, but the Serbian has had the more impressive career so far.