Olivier Giroud's praise for N'Golo Kante was music to the ears of French fans everywhere – and it's easy to see why. Eight years ago, in the aftermath of their World Cup victory, Giroud revealed that Kante had considered hanging up his international boots. But the Chelsea legend wasn't having any of it, telling Kante he was 'top of the world' and too young to stop.
Fast forward to today, and it's clear Kante is still writing his own script – despite being 35 years old and plying his trade in Saudi Arabia. Yet Giroud remains adamant that Kante's unique qualities remain as potent as ever: 'NG is NG', he declares with conviction. It's a testament to the midfielder's enduring ability to transcend club environments and still make a major impact for Les Bleus.
Giroud also highlighted a seismic shift in Didier Deschamps' selection philosophy, one that's no longer beholden to traditional notions of 'prestige' clubs. With Kante thriving outside Europe's top leagues, it's clear the French boss is prioritising performance over geography. André-Pierre Gignac will likely nod in agreement – he's a case study in a player who has defied expectations by still being considered for the national team despite playing outside elite European leagues.
But what does this mean for France's midfield ahead of upcoming tournaments? Giroud believes Deschamps might initially opt for a pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot. However, he's adamant that Kante's presence is crucial – particularly with France boasting an abundance of attacking talent. The veteran striker knows that Kante provides the perfect balance between attack and defence: 'he plays like we've got 12 men on the pitch', a nod to his incredible energy and contagious mentality.
Giroud foresees Kante playing a pivotal role in big moments – whether it's defending a lead or adopting a more defensive posture against top opposition. We know he was instrumental in France's 2018 World Cup triumph, where Les Bleus only conceded just nine minutes of damage across the entire tournament. And while Giroud suggests Kante might be replaced by younger legs in critical moments, his impact could become even more pronounced as tournaments reach their later stages – when dictating tempo and providing defensive solidity are essential.
But it's not just about what Kante brings on the pitch. He's a beloved figure within the squad – 'like our mascot' who 'brings the sunshine', according to Giroud. It's little wonder that Kante remains an integral part of France's plans, even at 35. Long may he keep defying expectations!