N’Golo Kanté Review: a most distinguished and stupendous midfield menace

I had a try for the daily penalty box since last week, with only 2 highlight players left in the box. I thought it was about time new cards were added to the box, so I waited it out and saw that this most exquisite individual had been included by the unexpected generosity of Konami, a company that had the audacity of introducing a bloody 250-player draw box just a week prior.

Anyways, despite the 1/6 chance, I was lucky enough to pull Kanté without having to suffer in wait for the next few months. Thank goodness😭

Trained him up and spinned a random booster token on him, which luckily gave something usable in Aerial +1. The finishing and header boost is almost useless, but the jump and physical was something I wanted, because I would have given him physicality +1 if i could choose.

The Build: 6-5-6-8-10-12 (refer to picture)

I only realized he had Fortress after a few games in. No wonder he was so solid. I saw some youtubers give less defending to players that have fortress, because they suspect it gives a stat increase of around 4~5 (not official, purely speculation). I didn’t do that, because: 1. Fortress only activates if you have a lead; 2. Kanté will always be in C form unless there is an international break in which he plays; 3. Kanté needs the stats as his player model won’t make up for his stats. ID is good tho

I gave him enough passing and dribbling to allow for some ball-holding and distributing - I don’t like making my players too one-dimensional, even though it makes them less of a specialist. I’ve been playing Possession Game too, so it was necessary. Besides, he has really high base defense stats, which allows for some compromise. Just because he can go full 99 defending at 12 defense, doesn’t mean you NEED to. Above 95-96 is still elite. However, I’m still experimenting with his pace between 86-90. His physicality, however, is crucial - 80 physical contact is something even my Belletti reaches with lower allocation, it’s just too crucial for giving attackers a hard time. This was where the booster came in handy

Performance: He’s currently paired with new france Vieira. Anchorman + B2B is always elite, but then again, it’s Vieira. Mr. Kanté stays true to the B2B playstyle. It’s like he has track back skill, but he actually doesn’t. Great pressing and movement. Even if he doesn’t get the tackle or interception, he’ll be a pest to most midfielders and CFs. He’s fast so he covers well for Vieira, cutting off the AMF’s pass to the CF or helping the fullback double mark the opponent’s winger.

His passing is good enough. Don’t try to pull off De Bruyne type passes unless it’s very doable, but having OTP and Through Pass built-in helps. Try your luck sparingly.

He’s surprisingly good on the ball. I think his short stature, high balance and decent TP helps. Can receive the ball and turn without feeling too clunky. The best part - built-in double touch. It’s too fun when you DT past the press with your DMFs and lay it off to the winger.

Aerial: Don’t expect him to help there. Pair him with a tall bloke to hold down the midfield (Vieira, Rodri, Tchouameni, Onana)

Overall: 9/10. Lacks offensive and aerial capabilities, but that’s not his role. He’s great at his role, so that’s good. I don’t think there’s a better midfielder for f2ps to help their defense and start counters. His mobility, ball-playing and work rate is exclusive.

Additional skills: 1. Blocker - must-give. Non-negotiable 2. Aerial Superiority- only if you don’t want to feel bad in PVP for losing aerial duels. Maybe once a game it will help win a duel 3. Acrobatic Clearance - Probably good to have 4. Long-range shooting/First-time shot: If you use your B2Bs offensively. 5. Sole Control - If you want to use him as single pivot (probably shouldnt) or u like to distribute with him 6. Track-back - If you really like to press. 7. Low Lofted Pass - once again, for distribution