In France’s recent victory over Austria in Dusseldorf, Kylian Mbappe once again took center stage. However, it was N’Golo Kante, the 33-year-old veteran, who stole the show and proved his worth to the French team. Despite playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, Kante’s rich pedigree and winning record made him an essential addition to coach Didier Deschamps’ squad.
Kante’s performance against Austria demonstrated his ability to sniff out danger, control the midfield, and act as a shield against any threats. In a crucial moment late in the game, with Austria pushing for an equalizer, Kante showcased his pace and positioning by overtaking a charging Austrian player and sweeping the ball away before he could take a shot. This vital intervention secured the victory for France and earned Kante the well-deserved title of man of the match.
While there may be doubts about whether Kante can consistently perform at this high level at his age, his track record suggests he is more than capable. Having won the World Cup, Premier League titles with Leicester City and Chelsea, as well as the Europa League and Champions League trophies, Kante has proven time and again that he is a valuable asset to any team.
On the other hand, Mbappe had a mixed performance in the game against Austria. Although he displayed his trademark speed and skill, he missed several chances to score. His night ended on a painful note as he suffered a bloody nose injury from an aerial collision with an Austrian player. It remains to be seen if this injury will affect his participation in France’s upcoming match against the Netherlands.
Despite Mbappe’s ups and downs, France demonstrated their pace and threat through players like Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann. However, it was Kante who outshone them all with his exceptional performance. His two years away from the national team and playing in a less-intense league have not dulled his competitive edge or hunger for success.
As France moves forward in the tournament, they will undoubtedly rely on the talents of Mbappe to deliver goals. However, it is the presence of players like Kante that truly make a difference. The combination of skillful attackers and defensive stalwarts like Kante is what sets great teams apart. France’s victory over Austria serves as a reminder of the importance of having players who can contribute in both attack and defense.