Euro 2024: Aymeric Laporte Claps Back at Saudi Pro League Critics with N’Golo Kante Example

• Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has addressed critics questioning the quality of play in the Saudi Pro League
• The Spanish centre-back, who plays for Al-Nassr, cited N'Golo Kante's display at Euro 2024 as a testament to the league's strength
• Kante, who joined Al-Ittihad last summer after leaving English Premier League side Chelsea, has won two MVPs at the Euros so far

Spain star, Aymeric Laporte, has defended the Saudi Pro League (SPL) by highlighting N'Golo Kante's outstanding performances at the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

Fourteen players from the Saudi top flight are competing in this summer's Euros, having been drawn by the lucrative contracts offered as the Gulf nation aims to elevate its domestic league to a world-class level.

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While Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, is the most notable Saudi-based player in Germany, Al-Ittihad's Kante has captured the spotlight with his exceptional play for France.

The 32-year-old made a triumphant return to the French national team after a two-year absence, delivering a Man-of-the-Match Performance in their 1-0 victory over Austria.

Kante followed up with another stellar display in midfield, helping Les Bleus secure a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, per UEFA.com.

His output from the heart of the pitch earned him another MVP accolade, making him the first player to win consecutive Man-of-the-Match awards at Euro 2024.

The former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder's performances have impressed many, especially given that critics often regard the Saudi League as inferior to Europe's top leagues.

Laporte replies to SPL critics with Kante example

In response to these critics, Laporte, who also plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, pointed to Kante's success as evidence of the league's strength, challenging the widely held negative perceptions.

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“Kante played two matches in Euro 2024 and was named the best player in both matches. This indicates the strength of the league,” the Spaniard said, as quoted by The Nassr Zone.

Kante receives praise from Al-Ittihad

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad praised midfielder N'Golo Kante for another stellar performance for France at the European Championship.

Kante received high ratings and was named Man of the Match after the game against the Netherlands.

Following his impressive showing, Al-Ittihad congratulated him for earning the Man of the Match title in his team's Euro 2024 game for the second time in a row.