London: Chelsea legend John Terry and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba agreed in unison that the Ballon d’Or this year should go to Frenchman N’Golo Kante ahead of Lionel Messi. Kante has already been nominated for the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.
One of the most underrated players of the modern era, Kante has been a vital cog in the Chelsea line-up and played a big role in the Blues’ twin titles this year — Champions League and Super Cup. But Terry and Pogba felt that Kante is the deserving winner of the Golden Ball.
“We talk a lot about his performances but he has always been as good as ever,” said Pogba, who alongside won the 2018 World Cup in Russia for France. “There was no Cristiano and Messi in the semifinal (Champions League), so it’s good to see the performances of the midfielder or even the defenders.”
“I said a long time ago that it would be appropriate, if Chelsea won, for him to win the Ballon d’Or. It would be deserved too,” added the Frenchman. Terry wasn’t short of words for his club fellow. “Kante’s like 11 players on his own. What he does, he goes so under the radar. He is such a top-class player,” the former player said.
“I’d love to go see him win the Ballon d’Or or get the appreciation that I feel he deserves. He’s such a humble guy. He just goes about his business and keeps out of any trouble.” Terry also urged Chelsea to not let go of the former Leciester City midfielder for the betterment of the club.
”N’Golo still has so much to give over the next few years. He’s one of the fittest players I’ve ever come across as well. It would be great to see Chelsea tie him down and keep him at the football club,” he added.
However, keeping Kante aside, many believe that the trophy should go to either Messi or Kante’s Chelsea teammate Jorginho. According to several pundits, Messi has two-fifth of a chance of winning the Golden Ball for record seventh time, based on his contributions for Barcelona and country.
While Messi led Barcelona to Copa Del Rey, he also made sure Argentine get hands, on much-anticipated Copa America 2021 after 1993. For Jorginho, he has the Champions League, Super Cup with Chelsea and Euro 2021 title with Italy under his belt to justify his claim for the winner’s trophy.
The only point that puts Messi and Jorginho ahead of Kante, is the unexpected Euro 2021 exit of Les Blues against Switzerland in Round of 16. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to happen in December in France after being called off last year owning to the COVID-19 pandemic.
