Nainggolan offended at McTominay comparability, lists ‘over-rated’ Serie A stars

[ad_1] Radja Nainggolan insists he isn't 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.

He sat down with Fantalab and was usually outspoken when it got here to the present crop of Serie A gamers, particularly those that have been in comparison with his enjoying model.

<img alt="Article image:Nainggolan angry at McTominay comparison, lists ‘over-rated’ Serie A stars" decoding="async" height="157.62962962962962" loading="lazy" src="https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=280&h=158&dpr=2&image=https%3A%2F%2Ficdn.football-italia.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FScott-McTominay-Napoli-celebrate-Giovanni-Di-Lorenzo.jpg" width="280" class="ImageWithSets_of-image__img__pezo7 ImageWrapper_media-container__image__Rd2_F" importance="low"/> SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates scoring his workforce’s first purpose in the course of the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Picture by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Pictures)

That features final yr’s Serie A Participant of the Season, Scudetto winner McTominay.

“He's good to have in your Fantasy Soccer workforce as a result of he scores targets, however I obtained 11 in a season, and I don’t assume he did that,” mentioned Nainggolan.

“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 isn't a very good passer of the ball, and never that good technically both.

“He fits Antonio Conte at Napoli, simply as Emanuele Giaccherini slot in his workforce. Arturo Vidal, for instance, was one thing else totally.”

Nainggolan lashes out at many Serie A gamers <img alt="Article image:Nainggolan angry at McTominay comparison, lists ‘over-rated’ Serie A stars" decoding="async" height="157.62962962962962" loading="lazy" src="https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=280&h=158&dpr=2&image=https%3A%2F%2Ficdn.football-italia.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F01%2Fas-roma-v-acf-fiorentina-serie-a-1.jpg" width="280" class="ImageWithSets_of-image__img__pezo7 ImageWrapper_media-container__image__Rd2_F" importance="low"/> Radja Nainggolan of AS Roma gestures in the course of the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on February 7, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Picture by Paolo Bruno/Getty Pictures )

There was one other signing at Napoli from Manchester United, particularly 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 laborious, scores his targets, however hasn’t obtained a lot to offer together with his again to the purpose. In large golf equipment, in my opinion, you must be capable of play soccer.

“I feel Moise Kean is over-rated too. Rafael Leao has the flexibility to have moments of nice talent, 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.”

<img alt="Article image:Nainggolan angry at McTominay comparison, lists ‘over-rated’ Serie A stars" decoding="async" height="157.62962962962962" loading="lazy" src="https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=280&h=158&dpr=2&image=https%3A%2F%2Ficdn.football-italia.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FManu-Kone-Roma-stand.jpg" width="280" class="ImageWithSets_of-image__img__pezo7 ImageWrapper_media-container__image__Rd2_F" importance="low"/> LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Manu Kone of AS Roma in the course of the pre-season pleasant match between Everton and AS Roma at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Picture by Jan Kruger/Getty Pictures)

In the case of his former membership Roma, Nainggolan is equally vicious in direction of France worldwide Koné.

“He’s an honest participant, you gained’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 purpose. 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, a transfer that was fairly pressured upon him.

“I'd’ve gladly stayed there for all times, because the mentality of the folks there's what I’m after. Once I arrived, the workforce 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 workforce, Roma would win 5 titles these days, however on the time Juventus had been unbeatable.”

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