[ad_1]
Ruud Gullit backed N’Golo Kante to win the next Ballon d’Or for his tireless, if not glamorous, work for Chelsea.
Talk to journalists at the Giacinto Facchetti Awards party, Gullit was asked who should receive the individual honor.
Among the usual group of nominees are two members of the Stamford Bridge clan.
Jorginho and Kante are both tipped to overthrow the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jorginho already has a UEFA Player of the Year trophy stored on his home shelf, alongside a European Championship, Champions League and Super Cup winner’s medal.
Blues for the Ballon d’Or
It was certainly a summer of sunshine and smiles for the Italian, who more than anyone deserves to claim the exclusive honor.
He might not be the most popular choice, simply because the 29-year-old isn’t sleek like Messi or chiseled like Ronaldo.
Neither does Jorginho’s colleague at Chelsea, who Gullit says deserves the award above all the flashier, turbocharged contenders.
“It’s a bit like (Franco) Baresi, who didn’t win (the prize) despite his level.
“Those who score attract more and more attention.
“It would be nice to see someone who pays less attention to goals, like Kanté, who deserves to win.”
Baresi was a mountain man at the heart of AC Milan’s defense, but was selected by fellow San Siro star Marco van Basten for the 1989 Ballon d’Or.
And there is every chance that voters will turn to Robert Lewandowski or Erling Haaland this time around. Bundesliga stars like Van Basten are scorers who put fans on their feet.
But it would be nice to see the honor bestowed on a Jorginho or Kante, whose importance to the club and the country goes beyond mere discussion.
Luka Modric’s victory in 2018 ended an assault on Ronaldo and Messi’s control.
Having another midfielder placed at number one is both necessary and desired.
Especially if you are on the Chelsea side.
Do you have something to tell us about this article?
[ad_2]
