Louis Saha says that N’Golo Kante would be a deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or after doing what Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have not been able to do in football.
The French star has had an outstanding year representing Chelsea and his country, playing a key role in his side’s Champions League-winning campaign as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Atletico Madrid, Porto, Real Madrid and Manchester City to win the competition for the second time in their history.
Saha says he has never seen someone with the ability to single-handedly dominate a midfield like Kante, and that his man-of-the-match displays in both legs of the Champions League semi-finals and the final prove just how special a player he is.
“If he did, I believe he would deserve it,” Saha told GamblingDeals when asked if Kante can win the Ballon d’Or.
“There is no player, not even Cristiano Ronaldo or [Lionel] Messi, that has been man of the match in both legs of the Champions League semi-final and final.
“Dominating the midfield alone whilst at the same time helping players moving forward. Going forward he was just a force. I haven’t seen anyone do anything like that.
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“I do remember some other winners of the Ballon d’Or, no disrespect to them and I won’t name names, but earning this prize, this amazing prize without those types of performances.
“So it would not be a scandal at all if Kante gets his hands on the trophy, he’s been unreal. He plays as two players, playing outside of his role, moving forward and doing things that he’s not supposed to do.
“Those aren’t the characteristics of Messi or Ronaldo, where they stick to their job, scoring goals and amazing individual things, but it’s also about being able to do both. He’s unbelievable.”