Legendary former Inter striker Alessandro Altobelli has praised Nerazzurri midfielder Nicolo Barella, and compared him favourably to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.
Speaking to Italian Broadcaster Rai Sport yesterday afternoon, the former striker explained that he considers Barella and French international Kante to be two of the best central midfielders in world football, but argued that the Italian’s skillset is more complete than that of the Les Bleus star.
Kante shone during Chelsea’s Champions League triumph under Thomas Tuchel while Barella was one of Inter’s key players as the club won their first scudetto in over a decade – both players are expected to be among the standouts at this summer’s European Championships.
While Kante is in the midst of his peak, Barella is still a very young player despite his accomplishments, a fact that Altobelli highlights.
Altobelli made 317 Serie A appearances from which he scored 128 goals during his time at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Altobelli gave his thoughts:
“Barella is a more complete player than Kante because he does very well in two phases, defensive and offensive. He often scores, too.”
“Sure, Kante is extraordinary, but Barella is 24 and not 30, and he still has a way to go. We are talking about two midfielders among the strongest in Europe.”
