Mateo Kovacic and Wilfred Ndidi have both featured in 17 Premier League games this season, most frequently in a deeper role in the middle of the park.

Ndidi has been on the pitch for just one minute less than Kovacic, with the pair averaging an hour of action a game. That might have been more were it not for injury.

• Potter explains what Kovacic offers the team

Favouring defence over attack

Analysing the data shows that while they might often have been used in similar positions, in a midfield two in front of the back four, they offer their respective teams a range of qualities.

For example, Kovacic has played 10 key passes to Ndidi’s two. With one assist (Kovacic to Broja vs Wolves, below) and two shots on target (both by Ndidi) between them, it is clear they do not affect the game in the final third often.

They are both combative players, much needed in a congested part of the pitch. The Nigerian has both won (nine to six) and conceded (18 to 10) more fouls than his Croatian counterpart.

Ndidi’s main qualities are defensive, with his figures in that department boosted by two games at centre-back during an injury crisis: he averages more tackles, clearances, blocks and interceptions per game, but Kovacic wins possession back more often, and is dribbled past less.

Precise pass master Kova

Our man, who has worn the captain’s armband in our past two fixtures in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva, is more effective on the ball.

Kovacic has more touches per game (52 vs 46) and has played more successful passes (646 to 534) than Ndidi.

Their accuracy rates are similar, Ndidi slightly more successful overall (86 to 85 per cent), Kovacic more precise in the opposition half (80 to 78 per cent) and with long balls, chipped passes and crosses.

There is responsibility on both players to break the lines from their deeper positions, especially as Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers’ sides like to have the ball. Kovacic has been successful with eight dribbles this term, and Ndidi five, each helped by their lithe frame and dainty footwork.