At 40, rock-solid Dante is crucial in making Nice the best defense in Europe’s top leagues

French league leader Nice is currently enjoying its longest unbeaten run in over 50 years. The team seems like an invincible fortress, with veteran center-back Dante fiercely defending it at 40 years old.

Nice is the only team in France still undefeated this season, with eight clean sheets in 11 matches and only four goals conceded, making them the best defense in Europe’s top five leagues. Dante has been a crucial element at the heart of the defensive padlock set up by coach Francesco Farioli.

Praised for his work ethics and lifestyle, Nice captain Dante played 4,440 minutes in all competitions last season and has not missed a single minute of his club’s new league campaign.

Coach Farioli described Dante as a player with enormous intelligence and versatility, capable of both defending and attacking. Nicknamed the “CommanDante,” he joined Nice seven years ago, having previously won the Champions League and four Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.

Despite suffering an ACL tear in his left knee in November 2020, Dante has not slowed down and continues to be a top performer. His impressive statistics ahead of Friday’s match against Montpellier include 982 passes, 10 interceptions, 21 tackles completed, and a 65% duels win rate. His center-back partner Jean-Clair Todibo praised Dante for his high-level performance and dedication.

Nice currently has a one-point lead over defending champion Paris Saint-Germain and will need to compensate for the absence of key player Youssouf Ndayishimiye who is suspended. Coach Farioli is optimistic, saying that it will be a chance for other players to step up and find the best balance.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer