Chelsea legend John Terry rained down a tidal wave of compliments upon N’Golo Kante’s shoulders.
Speaking to Stadium Astro, Terry didn’t hold back his love for the mini-midfielder, who he believed warranted football’s top individual honour.
Kante returned with a flourish in the second half of last season, after his spark slightly dimmed due to a few niggling injuries and changeover of managers.
Under Thomas Tuchel’s wing, the France international flew back to the heights that brought him to Chelsea in the first place.
His performances in the Champions League were particularly spectacular, earning man-of-the-match awards in both semi-finals and the final.
He played his part in the Blues’ recent UEFA Super Cup success, to add to his extended trophy cabinet.
The 30-year-old is about to embark on his fifth season with the European champions, but John Terry wanted to see him in a Chelsea shirt way beyond his half-decade.
“Kante’s like 11 players on his own,” said the iconic Blues captain.
“What he does, he goes so under the radar. He is such a top-class player. I’d love to go see him win the Ballon d’Or or get the appreciation I feel he deserves.
“He’s such a humble guy. He just goes about his business and keeps out of any trouble. He’s been a great asset for the football club and we are very lucky to have at Chelsea for sure.
“N’Golo still has so much to give over the next few years. He’s one of the fittest players I’ve come across as well. It would be great to see Chelsea tie him down and keep him at the football club.”
Mentioning Kante and Ballon d’Or in the same breath is not a new phenomenon.
In the lead-up to the European Championships, many tipped the unpretentious Parisien to claim the prize should France win the competition.
Rio Ferdinand said he would have deserved the award, as did national teammate Paul Pogba.
As it transpired, Les Blues crashed out in the round of 16 and the Ballon d’Or chat dispersed.
But after Kante’s nomination for UEFA’s best midfielder from last year’s Champions League, that conversation might just start up again.
