Former Manchester United striker praises Ngolo Kante after impressive display during UEFA Euro 2024

Even though France had a wealth of youthful midfield talent in Warren Zaire-Emery, Aurelin Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga, they still chose N'Golo Kante. Given that the 33-year-old is currently playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, many people were surprised by the call, but it didn't take long for France's opening 1-0 victory over Austria in the UEFA Euro 2024 to demonstrate why Didier Deschamps was correct once again.

Kante threw back all those years with a conventional show that, from the outside, appeared worn out. Just William Saliba made more possession recoveries and earned more possessions across the defensive and centre thirds of the field than the midfielder from France, who also won the most tackles.

Against Austria, the midfielder for France also gave his teammates three opportunities to score. His ability to be incredible at both sides of the pitch remains his best asset. Wayne Rooney spoke about the midfielder after his impressive displays against Austria. He said, "France has the best team player in N'Golo Kanté. He knows how to do everything: press, position himself and play in the intervals, break up opposing actions and project himself into attack.

“He is one of the best midfielders in the world” : Wayne Rooney

He added, “We also used to see that with Yaya Touré, who won the ball and projected himself offensively, and it was very difficult to defend against him. Kanté does that, but he also protects his defence like Claude Makélélé did. It's incredible to have two players, Touré and Makélélé, in N'Golo Kanté.”

The former Everton attacker spoke about how his game is helpful for France. He said, “His energy improves the other players. Whenever Kanté goes forward in attack, you often see two or three players accompany him forward without worrying about leaving their position, because they know that if the ball is lost, N'Golo Kanté will come and collect it. For me, he is one of the best midfielders in the world."