Behind-the-scenes footage of France’s dressing room after their narrow victory against Austria proves how highly the squad rate N’Golo Kante.
In a game overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe breaking his nose, France kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Austria in Group D.
The game’s only goal came through a Max Wober own-goal, with the Leeds defender nodding past his own keeper when trying to defend an Mbappe cross.
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But among the many talking points after the encounter was Kante’s superb performance, typical of the work the 33-year-old had put in throughout a stellar career.
Eye-brows were raised when Kante, a World Cup, Champions League and Premier League winner, was selected in Didier Deschamps’s squad, with the diminutive Frenchman having played in the Saudi Pro League for the past season.
But Kante appears to have retained his physicality, ability to sense danger and composure on the ball, at times acting as a one-man defence for France against Austria.
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And his performance didn’t go unnoticed, with footage of Kante being embraced by Deschamps and applauded by his team-mates while returning to the dressing room having been shared by France’s official social channels.
Upon congratulating Kante, Ibrahima Konate said, while pointing at the midfielder: “It’s crazy. It’s crazy.”
Youssouf Fofana then interjects: “Listen to me close. Listen to me close when I speak to you in the ear.
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“It’s not a myth. I saw it with my own eyes. I saw it. It’s crazy.”
The behind-the-scenes footage also included a rousing pre-match speech from France skipper Mbappe.
He emphatically said, ahead of facing Austria: “Whatever happens - the referee, the pitch, the fans - always respond to the game. We have the players to play. We get the ball on the ground and play, with personality.
“Enjoy it guys. Enjoy it. These are great moments These are European Championship matches. Enjoy it.
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“We’re scared of nothing. We play. If we play [our game] it will work out.
“You must be active. Irrespective of what happens, the level of the game, decisions, we leave nobody behind.
“Come on guys. It’s time. Let’s go onto the pitch together. Let’s go. Let’s go. Together. Together. Together.”
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Topics: France, Euro 2024, NGolo Kante, Kylian Mbappe, Didier Deschamps
Chris Byfield