Opinion: Gary Neville’s praise for Chelsea legend shows he still had a lot to offer before Saudi Arabia transfer

Gary Neville lauds Chelsea legend’s performance amidst Saudi transfer speculations

Gary Neville called N’Golo Kante the ‘best player on the pitch’ against Austria, while Roy Keane and Ian Wright praised the former Chelsea legend for his outstanding performance in France’s first Euro 2024 triumph. (via Football London)

Former Manchester United and England full-back Neville praised Kante’s performance and emphasised how important the midfielder was to France’s victory at Euro 2024.

The 33-year-old has been absent from European football since leaving Stamford Bridge for Saudi Arabia last year but made a triumphant return to tournament action on Monday.

Kante was picked as a starter in a two-man midfield with Juventus playmaker Adrien Rabiot, and he shone as Les Bleus got their European Championship campaign off to a flying start.

The two-time Premier League and Champions League winner was everywhere, breaking up play by holding crucial defensive positions, driving play forward with passes through the lines, and dribbling with the finesse that he was known for during his time in England’s top division.

Keane, Neville’s former United teammate, praised Kante even more, claiming the midfielder performed like a ‘younger version’ of himself, having previously starred at Leicester and Chelsea.

Kante was one of just six outfield players to play the entire 90 minutes, as Didier Deschamps made five substitutes as his team excelled at turning defence into attack.

Arsenal great Wright feels the veteran has benefited by playing in a lower league in the Middle East, but he was also impressed by Kante’s ability to perform at a high level in a major event.

Wright talked about the wealth offered to players in Saudi Arabia; he said, ‘He’s going to retire very comfortably.’

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Despite joining Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad last summer, the 33-year-old has maintained his brilliance and is one of the greatest in his position to date.

Kante was everywhere you expected him to be, breaking up play, covering a lot of ground, and impressing with his passes.