Champions League

Ramires: 'N'Golo Kante could establish himself as one of three best in world'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 29 May 2021

Ramires: 'Kante could establish himself as one of three best in world'

Ex-Chelsea midfielder Ramires backs N'Golo Kante to finish in the top three of Ballon d'Or voting if he wins the Champions League and Euro 2020 this year.

Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires thinks that N'Golo Kante would deserve a top-three finish in the Ballon d'Or should he collect a Champions League and Euros winners' medal this year.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman has shaken off a thigh issue to be fit for Saturday's Champions League final with Chelsea, and he will man the Bleus engine room during a Euro 2020 campaign where they are among the favourites to go all the way.

Ramires donned the Chelsea colours between 2010 and 2016, and the Brazilian lynchpin believes that Kante - who finished eighth in voting for the 2017 Ballon d'Or - would establish himself as one of the world's best players by adding continental and international success to his medal haul.

Speaking to Mais Futebol, Ramires said: "I watch Kante play and there's a movie in my head because I see myself. He plays, he's got a highlight, but no one sees him wanting to show up off the field.

"He's very calm, always quiet. He's an extraordinary player. He's in every corner of the field. On defence, in the middle, in attack, on the sides. He's among the best in the world. What he's playing is impressive.

'He may turn out to be one of the top three in the world. But it's hard for a defensive midfielder to come in and win a Ballon d'Or. But, look, it would be deserved yes [if he won the Champions League and Euro 2020]."

Kante has already won two Premier Leagues, one FA Cup and one Europa League crown since arriving in England in 2016, and he has made 47 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this term.