N’Golo Kante was praised by Roy Keane and Ian Wright for his outstanding performance in France’s opening Euro 2024 triumph, and Gary Neville called him the “best player on the pitch” against Austria.
Since choosing to leave Stamford Bridge in lieu of a move to Saudi Arabia last year, the 33-year-old has mainly been absent from European football. However, on Monday, he made a spectacular return to tournament play.
Alongside Juventus playmaker Adrien Rabiot, Kante was starting in a two-man midfield, and he shone as Les Bleus got off to the ideal start in their European Championship campaign.
The two-time Premier League and Champions League champion was everywhere as he dribbled with the skill for which he was known during his time playing in England’s top division, got play going forward with passes through the lines, and broke up play by holding crucial defensive positions.
Former England and Manchester United full-back Neville praised Kante’s performance and emphasised how crucial the midfield player was to France’s 2024 victory.
On Monday night, N’Golo Kante was the star of France’s opening Euro 2024 triumph against Austria.
The Frenchman defeated Austria 1-0 thanks to a brilliant display in midfield.
Kante was everywhere, constantly interfering with France’s midfield play.
Neville told ITV that Rabiot basically sits back and balances off while he runs forward and isn’t a holding midfield guy who just stays there.
He gave a terrific performance and was by far the greatest player on the pitch, in my opinion, tonight. He seemed to be done a few years ago, but he’s given himself another chance,’ he continued.
More praise for Kante came from Neville’s old United teammate Keane, who said the midfield player looked like a “younger version” of himself who had previously excelled at Chelsea and Leicester.
Keane gave an explanation of Kante’s significant contribution to France’s victory over Ralf Rangnick’s team, saying: “He was brilliant and he has that vast experience.” Although we talk about how brilliant he is at breaking up the play, I believe that he is also incredibly good at doing the other parts.
He makes fantastic decisions and is sharp in his passing. We also know that he covers a lot of ground, but he also keeps things tidy in his passing and enjoys a little one-two. He can sprint forward, pass it forward, and tonight he seemed like a younger version of himself.
Since it’s the first game of the competition, I’ll wait to see how he handles the intensity of the matches. Before the game, I never had any doubts about him; he had a wealth of expertise, and it was great,’ he continued.
Kante’s performance astounded Gary Neville, who called him the “best player on the pitch.”Gary Neville (left) expressed his admiration for Kante and called him the “best player on the pitch” after the former Chelsea and Leicester player was named player of the match.
Against Austria, the midfielder was one of just six French players to play the whole 90 minutes.
Just six outfield players played the entire 90 minutes, including Kante, as Didier Deschamps made good use of his bench by substituting five times and shown mastery at turning defence into attack.
The great Wright of Arsenal feels that Kante has benefited from playing in a lower league in the Middle East, but he was equally astounded by Kante’s return to form in a major competition.
Regarding the sums of money given to players in Saudi Arabia, Wright remarked, “He’s going to retire very comfortably.”
“He must be doing something when you come and play at that level because how is he getting to that level if you’re playing in a league where the standard isn’t as good?” he said.
