Kante's Masterclass Leads France to Victory - A Tactical Breakdown

Here is our take

Hey everyone, what a game we witnessed tonight! N’golo Kante was an absolute beast on the pitch, driving France to a hard-earned win against Austria. Let's break down how Kante's vintage performance was the key factor in this thrilling match.Dedier Deschamps' squad boasts a wealth of young talent, but Kante's experience and relentless energy in midfield stole the show. The man was everywhere tonight.Whenever Austria tried to mount an attack, Kante was like a wall, breaking up their play and snuffing out danger before it could materialize. Even when they managed to slip past Saliba, Kante was there in a flash, covering ground and denying them a clear shot on goal without resorting to fouls.It was a performance worthy of the man-of-the-match accolade, no doubt about it. Kante's ability to read the game, his anticipation, and his sheer work rate were on full display tonight.What did you think of Kante's performance? Can he maintain this level throughout the tournament?

Here is our analysis 

In a commanding display of skill and experience, N'Golo Kante led France to a 1-0 victory over Austria in their opening match of Euro 2024. Kante's performance was widely praised by football pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright, who lauded the 33-year-old's exceptional play on the pitch.

Kante's Dominance in Midfield:

Kante's inclusion in the starting lineup, alongside Juventus playmaker Adrien Rabiot, proved to be a masterstroke by Didier Deschamps. Kante's relentless energy and strategic positioning allowed him to break up Austria's play effectively and initiate France's attacks. He consistently occupied key defensive positions, thwarting Austria's advances and transitioning the play forward with precise passes.

Expert Praise:

Gary Neville, former Manchester United and England full-back, described Kante as the "best player on the pitch," emphasizing his unparalleled influence on the game. Neville highlighted Kante's dynamic role, noting, "He's not a holding midfield player who just stays there; he's everywhere on the pitch and runs forward while Rabiot balances off."

Roy Keane, Neville's former United teammate, echoed this sentiment, praising Kante for his vast experience and sharp passing. Keane remarked, "He was brilliant and has that vast experience. He breaks the play up, is sharp with his passing, covers the ground, and makes excellent decisions." Keane also pointed out how Kante's performance mirrored his younger days at Leicester and Chelsea.

Resurgence and Impact:

Kante, who had been relatively under the radar since his move to Saudi Arabia last year, made a powerful reintroduction to European tournament football. His ability to read the game, anticipate opponents' moves, and execute precise passes was on full display. Kante's role was pivotal in turning defense into attack, and his relentless work rate was a crucial factor in France's victory.

Ian Wright, Arsenal legend, attributed Kante's sustained high-level performance to his time in the Middle East, suggesting that playing in a less demanding league might have helped him preserve his energy and fitness for major tournaments. Wright commented, "He's going to retire very comfortably. When you come and play to that level, he must be doing something right."

Looking Ahead:

Kante was one of only six French players to complete the full 90 minutes against Austria, underscoring his importance to the team. As France progresses in Euro 2024, Kante's ability to maintain this level of performance will be crucial. His masterclass against Austria sets a high benchmark for the rest of the tournament.

What did you think of Kante's performance? Can he sustain this level of play throughout the tournament? Let's discuss in the comments!