Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte explained why he believes N’Golo Kante won’t ever win the Ballon d’Or award, despite how deserving his star midfielder may be.
Conte says that players Kante would probably take home the prize if coaches voted, as they prioritize winning above all else.
According to Conte, the prestigious individual trophy emphasizes traits that you don’t find in the reigning PFA Player of the year.
“When I was a player I wanted to win the Ballon d’Or, but I knew my characteristics, my potential that it was impossible,” Conte said.
“I won a lot in my career. I won everything. I was captain of Juventus for many years. I lost two finals in the World Cup and European Championships, but at same time you know very well if you can reach level to win the Ballon d’Or.”
“I think in our team there are players who can reach this level. Others are not able, like me. Honestly I don’t know if Kante can win the Ballon d’Or in his life because of the characteristics of this player.”
“He doesn’t score a lot of goals. He is a great worker.”
After extolling the virtues of Kante, the Italian further elaborated on what stands in his star man’s way. (He also discussed why Eden Hazard could possibly win the award, but only if he finds the “sacred fire” that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi possess)
“The Ballon d’Or is the Ballon d’Or but for a coach Kante has to win, for every coach. If you ask coaches we would take this decision, but in reality it would be very difficult for him to win.”
“Paolo Maldini never won, but he was the best defender in the world. Gianluigi Buffon never won, and he was the best goalkeeper in the world for many years. But this is the story of the Ballon d’Or. You have to respect it is a particular classification.”
Cristiano Ronaldo claimed his fifth Ballon d’Or Thursday night, drawing level with Lionel Messi for the most ever. Kante finished eighth in the voting.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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