With Didier Deschamps, we must not insult the future and make statements that are too definitive. The not so distant past reminds us of this frequently. Two examples: when Karim Benzema, placed in jail for six years, was recalled to everyone’s surprise for Euro 2021. Not to mention Adrien Rabiot, who had zapped his reserve status at the 2018 World Cup, before returning and to be an indisputable holder now with the Blues. So what about N’Golo Kanté? The 32-year-old international midfielder (53 caps) joined Benzema in Saudi Arabia to sign a three-year contract at Al-Ittihad, choosing silver at the sporting project. A decision that leads to the end of his story with the France team?
Asked about the subject during the international sequence, for which Kanté, injured, was absent, the coach of the Blues left the door ajar. Without however ensuring that the players evolving within the oil state could be summoned again too “I have no opinion, there are periods like that, he admitted to Clairefontaine. There were before other countries which launched campaigns to emphasize national championships. There was the United States, Asian countries and now it’s Saudi Arabia. The decision rests with the players according to their situation. N’Golo Kanté is one of them. I have no objection to the fact that players can go play there and stay. Today, I will make sure to follow them. »
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Strict speech so as not to offend the darling of the French public in 2018 or a deep desire not to take a position that is too firm and definitive? Internally, the staff of the vice-world champions remains circumspect about the level of the Saudi championship. For several months, N’Golo Kanté, fabulous during the 2018 World Cup, finds himself more often in the infirmary than on the pitch. To the point that Chelsea, who do not count the expenses, do not hurry to retain him. For two years, Kanté has only played three matches with the France team, which has allowed Rabiot, Tchouaméni and Camavinga to pass him in the hierarchy.
If Didier Deschamps and his deputies will watch the Saudi league, what comparison is possible with the intensity of the Premier League or the Champions League? Might as well say it right away, none. Without disrespecting Saudi Arabia, the difference in level of play is still significant with England or even La Liga, the Bundesliga and even Ligue 1. “They are evolving and the arrival of great players will change the game. , but it is not even comparable with Europe, advances a technician having directed in Saudi Arabia. It will take several years. “Unless surprised, with a return to a level of play of his best years, or even a carnage in midfield, it is difficult to imagine N’Golo Kanté again with the France team. On June 3, 2022 against Denmark (1-2), the Stade de France public undoubtedly attended Kanté’s last match with the blue jersey on his back.
