All eyes were on players like Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé, and Marcus Thuram, but it was N'Golo Kanté who was truly chosen as the Man of the Match by UEFA after the Austria - France game. The midfielder returned to the French national team after a long absence and received significant praise following the first Euro match.
Kanté (33) did not play for France for almost two years in the lead-up to the Euros. On June 3, 2022, he played in the Nations League match against Denmark, and his next international match was the friendly against Luxembourg on June 5 of this year. However, it didn't take long for Kanté to win the hearts of the French once again.
National coach Didier Deschamps is very fond of the ball-winner, who is currently playing in Saudi Arabia. "This is exactly why I brought him along. From the first moment I saw that he was physically completely fit again, I knew we were going to need him badly. With his tactical intelligence, his ability to recover the ball. NG shone," concluded Deschamps.
NG (pronounced as Enji) is Kanté's nickname, referring to the first two letters of his first name. Nothing has changed about Kanté's friendly and humble demeanor. "It's so nice to play for the national team again. I receive a lot of compliments, but I am not a superhuman. We do it all together, as a team."
After Kylian Mbappé's injury, Kanté even finished the match against Austria with the captain's armband on his arm. "That was the first time, but it was a great honor. It was only for a few minutes, but it still meant a lot to me. It fills you with pride."
Kanté's return to the French national team has been a significant boost for Les Bleus. Known for his relentless work rate, exceptional ball-winning skills, and unassuming nature, Kanté has always been a fan favorite. His performance in the Austria match was a reminder of why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world.
Playing in Saudi Arabia, Kanté has continued to demonstrate his high level of performance and professionalism, earning praise from his club and international teammates alike. His presence in the French squad brings stability and experience, crucial for their Euro 2024 campaign.
Despite the intense competition for places in the team, Kanté's humility and team spirit make him an invaluable asset. His statement about not being a superhuman reflects his grounded personality, even as he continues to deliver superhuman performances on the pitch.
As France progresses in the tournament, the leadership and experience of players like Kanté will be vital. His ability to inspire and lead, even briefly as captain, showcases the respect and admiration he commands from his peers. The French fans are delighted to see him back, and his performances so far indicate that he is ready to play a pivotal role in their quest for glory.
