N’Golo Kante: Ex Chelsea Star Wins Consecutive MOTM Awards for France at Euro 2024

N’Golo Kante: Ex Chelsea Star Wins Consecutive MOTM Awards for France at Euro 2024

Elijah Odetokun
updated at June 21, 2024 at 11:34 PM
In this article:
N'Golo Kanté logo
N. Kanté
Al-Ittihad Club logoMFrance logo
Xavi Simons logo
Xavier Simons
RB Leipzig logoMNetherlands logo
France logo
France
France
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Netherlands logo
Netherlands
Netherlands
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UEFA European Championship logo
UEFA EURO
Europe
  • France and Netherlands played out a goalless draw in their second group game at the 2024 European Championship
  • The two teams are tied at the top of Group D, having won their opening matches against Austria and Poland
  • Former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante was named the Player of the Match for the second consecutive game

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N'Golo Kante shone yet again despite France and the Netherlands playing a goalless draw in their second group game at the 2024 European Championship.

France were without captain Kylian Mbappe, who suffered a broken nose during the first match against Austria. He was on the bench despite having a custom-made mask.

N'Golo Kante, Wout Weghorst, France, Netherlands, Euro 2024, Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany.
N'Golo Kante duels for the ball with Wout Weghorst during Euro 2024 match between France and Netherlands at Red Bull Arena on June 21, 2024. Photo by Chris Brunskill.
Source: Getty Images

According to The Athletic, the Dutch had the ball in the back of the net through Xavi Simons, but it was disallowed by English official Anthony Taylor after Denzel Dumfries, who was in an offside position, blocked Mike Maignan's line of sight.

Kante wins consecutive Euro 2024 MOTM

Kante was named to start for the second consecutive match, and he did not let Didier Deschamps down by bossing the midfield yet again despite having a new partner.

According to UEFA technical observers, the 33-year-old was named the official Man of the Match, becoming the first player to win the award twice at the ongoing tournament.

The former Leicester City star was involved in both ends of the pitch, contributing to four defensive actions, while creating a big chance and making three key passes.

The tireless midfielder last played for France at a major tournament at Euro 2021, where they were eliminated by Switzerland in the quarter-final. He missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury.

His inclusion in the 25-man squad for this tournament came as a surprise as he was plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad after leaving Chelsea last summer.

Why Xavi Simons' goal was disallowed

Sports Brief analysed why Xavi Simons' goal was disallowed during the goalless draw between France and the Netherlands at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.

The youngster rifled home a powerful shot in the 73rd minute and appeared to have given the Dutch the lead, but it was disallowed by English official, Anthony Taylor.

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Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.