There are few reasons to be satisfied at the end of the Euro for the French team. The Blues certainly pushed to the semi-finals, only beaten by Spain, the most convincing team in the competition, Didier Deschamps’ men have generally disappointed. On the good news side, however, are the defensive solidity found again and the thunderous return of N’Golo Kanté.
Recalled by Didier Deschamps for the Euro almost two years after his last appearance with the Blues, the former Caen player showed that he had lost none of his talent and especially his physical abilities. The native of Rueil-Malmaison was a formidable harasser in midfield and if he sometimes struggled more, it was because of the – too great – responsibilities entrusted to him in the construction of the game, in particular when he had to replace a tough Antoine Griezmann.
N’Golo Kanté back in Europe?
His return was nonetheless convincing and calls for a sequel. Despite his 33 years, N’Golo Kanté sees himself continuing the adventure with the Blues until the 2026 World Cup, where his experience could be valuable. Didier Deschamps is well aware of this but his exile in Saudi Arabia could eventually pose a problem, especially since competition is fierce in midfield.
But N’Golo Kanté may well not stay in the Gulf for long. Questioned on the subject on the sidelines of the Euro, the Parisian clearly opened the door to a return to Europe. No, it’s not over, he said. I appreciate the return. There was a year that went well in Arabia. Finding these sensations with the French team is beautiful.
” But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today, really,” he had specified. It is now time to ask it and according to the Saudi press, N’Golo Kanté’s great performances at the Euro have not gone unnoticed and the 2018 world champion is attracting a lot of interest, especially in Europe. And despite a contract that runs until 2025, Al-Ittihad should have a hard time keeping him.
