The most highly anticipated contest of the “2020” European Championships kicks off in a matter of hours. It’s the most Chelsea-centric game of the group stages with a trio of players on both sides. We are, of course, talking about France versus Germany. Representing the Blues for Les Bleus are Olivier Giroud, N’Golo Kante and Kurt Zouma. On the other side, the west London club is well represented in Germany’s starting XI through Kai Havertz, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner.
While there is a lot to talk about in regards to Joachim Low’s squad, the main focus is on the “visitors” (Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena plays host to the clash, yet France is considered the home side). Didier Deschamps’ camp has been in the news a lot lately and not for its on-field performance, rather its antics and tension off it. French players like Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Giroud have been subjects to media stories for the oh-so-predictable drama. As Giroud’s name gets dragged through the mud for one reason or another, one other Chelsea player is doing rounds in the papers for other reasons: N’Golo Kante.
Kante, one of the most lovable footballers on the planet, has been getting a lot of attention for his achievements on the pitch. The campaign for Kante to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or is now real. It’s not just a Twitter thread created by biased Blues fans either. Managers, players and pundits alike have all tipped Kante as the early Ballon d’Or favorite for this calendar year.
The trophy, presented to the world’s best player by French Football, won’t be given out until December. There is obviously still a long way to go before the winner is named, that hasn’t stopped the conversation though. Kante is looking to become the first Blue to win the award in its 63-year history. In fact, no Chelsea player aside from Frank Lampard (2005 runner-up) has finished in the top three of Ballon d’Or voting.
It goes without saying that exciting things are happening in SW6. However, in order to solidify his place amongst the preliminary favorites and dethrone Lionel Messi as the winner (the award was not given out for 2020), Kante needs to achieve something in a different shade of blue. The Frenchman won’t be scoring goals at an alarming rate, nor will he rack up dozens of assists. This is the main reason it’s always been considered a race between the best forwards.
In order for the world class defensive midfielder to take home the trophy, he may have to guide France to a win at the 2020 Euros. Arguably being the most important player on the roster of the Champions League and European Championship winners is a tough resume to beat. Therefore, there is some weight on Kante’s shoulders as he and his side prepare to square off against Germany.
All of that being said, Kante isn’t the only one with something to lose. As defending World Cup Champions and Runners-Up of the 2016 European Championships, France has a lot to prove this time around. Deschamps’ men have built a reputation for tripping over their own feet in vital moments. It’s always something with the French—2018 excluded. This is likely why the drama coming out of the camp is no surprise to anybody familiar with France, it’s seen as just another reason the betting favorites could fall flat on the world’s biggest stage.
Of course, all of this underachieving is relative. France boasts one of the world’s best squads from top to bottom. There are superstars at every position and therefore, anything less than a trophy is considered a disappointment. Regardless of which nation many Blues fans support, it will be a letdown if France doesn’t at least make the final of the 2020 Euros due to what it means for their beloved Kante.
How far do you think France advances in the tournament? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!