Soccer Premier League

Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic Is Premier League MVP Thus Far

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By @DFresh39

Nemanja Matic Chelsea

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In a 2-0 win on Monday, Nemanja Matic again walked away with Man of the Match recognition for Chelsea. His team is three points clear at the top of the table as the Premier League heads toward the Boxing Day matches. Matic has been consistent and performing at a level not seen from the 26-year-old Serbian midfielder. Other players on his team get more notoriety, but Matic is a big reason why Chelsea have the best team in the league and is making a case for best player in the Premier League.

Matic has developed into a ferocious defensive midfielder who never shies away from a tackle. He is willing to do the dirty work and presses forward at just the right moments. His 6-foot-4 frame is imposing in the middle of the pitch and allows Matic to win many duels on the ground and in the air. Luckily for Chelsea, he knows what to do when he wins the ball.

Matic completed 88 percent of his passes on Monday against Stoke City. He also won the most tackles for Chelsea on the day, had six clearances and contributed two interceptions. Matic has blended the duties of the last line of defense before the back four and midfield playmaker unlike anyone else in the league this season. He has developed into a complete player who fits the Chelsea system very well. Other players in the league may have better stats in certain categories, but it is often because those teams are asked to defend much more.

Squawka compared Matic to some of the world’s best midfielders and found that he compares well this season. They looked at key statistics for Matic, Philipp Lahm, Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano and Daniel De Rossi. Matic’s .16 assists per 90 are bested by only Lahm. The pass completion percentage was similar for all of the players. Only Busquets and De Rossi beat Matic in aerial duels won per 90. Matic is far and away the best of the group at take-ons and clearances.

Matic has played more minutes than the other midfielders in Squawka’s comparison and has maintained impressive numbers. The only game that Matic missed this season was Chelsea’s only loss. He is their leader in many ways and has started to get the recognition he deserves. Matic provides security for the defense and a catalyst for the attack. Chelsea should be well on their way to the title if he continues to play like this. Matic is their key player and the current MVP in the Premier League.

Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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