Radja Nainggolan insists he’s not a fan of comparisons with Napoli’s Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, or Roma’s Manu Koné. ‘I used to be one thing else in my prime, come on!’
The Belgian midfielder spent most of his profession in Italy with Cagliari, Roma, and Inter, however remains to be enjoying now on the age of 37 following the transfer to KSC Lokeren.
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He sat down with Fantalab and was sometimes outspoken when it got here to the present crop of Serie A gamers, particularly those that have been in comparison with his enjoying type.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates scoring his staff’s first objective through the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photos)
That features final 12 months’s , Scudetto winner McTominay.
“He’s good to have in your Fantasy Soccer staff as a result of he scores targets, however I obtained 11 in a season, and I don’t suppose he did that,”
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“I don’t just like the comparability, as a result of I used to be one thing else in my prime, come on! McTominay didn’t even get common enjoying time at Manchester United, as a result of he’s not a superb passer of the ball, and never that good technically both.
“He fits Antonio Conte at Napoli, simply as Emanuele Giaccherini slot in his staff. Arturo Vidal, for instance, was one thing else fully.”
Nainggolan lashes out at many Serie A gamers
Radja Nainggolan of AS Roma gestures through the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on February 7, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photograph by Paolo Bruno/Getty Photos )
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There was one other signing at Napoli from Manchester United, specifically striker Hojlund, however once more Nainggolan is unimpressed.
“I don’t like him. He’s a runner, a tough employee, however what number of strikers are there like that round? Somebody like Nikola Krstovic, who works exhausting, scores his targets, however hasn’t obtained a lot to present together with his again to the objective. In huge golf equipment, in my opinion, it is best to have the ability to play soccer.
“I feel Moise Kean is over-rated too. Rafael Leao has the power to have moments of nice ability, however doesn’t do it sufficient. I wouldn’t name him over-rated as such, however he doesn’t do it sufficient contemplating what he’s able to.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Manu Kone of AS Roma through the pre-season pleasant match between Everton and AS Roma at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photograph by Jan Kruger/Getty Photos)
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Relating to his former membership Roma, Nainggolan is equally vicious in direction of France worldwide Koné.
“He’s an honest participant, you received’t get the ball off him as a result of he’s so bodily sturdy, however he doesn’t do targets or assists. I’ve seen many like him, he’s not decisive in entrance of objective. I’d additionally say Artem Dovbyk is over-rated, particularly when folks attempt to examine him to Edin Dzeko.”
The Belgian left Roma to hitch Inter in 2018,
“I might’ve gladly stayed there for all times, because the mentality of the folks there may be what I’m after. After I arrived, the staff wasn’t that sturdy, however over time I noticed gamers who went on to have unbelievable careers, like Antonio Rudiger, Mohamed Salah, Miralem Pjanic.
“With that staff, Roma would win 5 titles these days, however on the time Juventus have been unbeatable.”