4 players who missed out on 2018 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award shortlist

#3 N’Golo Kante

N'Golo Kante playing for France at the 2018 World Cup

Unsung hero of France’s 2018 World Cup campaign, N’Golo Kante is arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football at the moment. An old-fashioned deep-lying midfielder, Kante never stops running.

Along with Paul Pogba, the 27-year-old played a huge part in their World Cup win. He dominated the midfield and allowed players like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud to express themselves in the final third.

He provided defensive cover to Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti, which allowed French fullbacks, Pavard and Hernandez, to go forward and attack. Kante’s greatest strengths are his positional awareness, tackling, disrupting opponents passing rhythm, and the ability to read the game.

Although Chelsea finished fifth in the Premier League last season, Kante was one of their best performers.