‘N’Golo Kanté is at his best level’ – Nasser Larguet defends Didier Deschamps’ selection

Didier Deschamps’ selection of N’Golo Kanté (33) was perhaps the biggest shock in France’s squad selection for this summer’s Euros because it looked as if the French midfielder’s international career was over when he moved from Chelsea to Al-Ittihad last summer. 

However, as Deschamps explained in a press conference attended by GFFN, he had been keeping an eye on Kanté’s progress in the Middle East. “I wanted him to return to his best on the pitch, and in the meantime give some playing time to the younger players. I believe that the French national team is better with him, that’s why I made the decision.”

After a troubled final season at the London club which saw his involvement curtailed by injuries, the midfielder has been able to return to full fitness and has even been able to play in 41 games for his new team. 

There were still some concerns over the selection, with some quarters taking issue with the quality of the Saudi Pro League, and raising the question of whether Kanté will be at the necessary level for the summer competition. An objection that the Saudi Arabian technical director and former Olympique de Marseille manager, Nasser Larguet, strongly rejects. 

‘N’Golo Kanté didn’t come here pre-retirement’ 

In an interview with Eurosport, Larguet stated, “The choice of Didier Deschamps is very objective, N’Golo Kanté deserves his selection, he is at his best level. He’s a driving force in the team, playing box-to-box, he’s the N’Golo Kanté we know, at the heart of the game, in recovery and construction.” 

The former manager continued, “He didn’t come here pre-retirement, he is very involved, he was even captain of his team. Really, I take my hat off to him for coming back so strong in an increasingly demanding championship.”

GFFN | Nick Hartland