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

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

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at June 23, 2024 at 6:46 AM
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N'Golo Kanté logo
N. Kanté
Al-Ittihad Club logoMFrance logo
Aymeric Laporte logo
A. Laporte
Al Nassr FC logoDSpain logo
UEFA European Championship logo
UEFA EURO
Europe
Saudi Professional League logo
KSA Professional League
Saudi Arabia
Al-Ittihad Club logo
Al-Ittihad Club
Saudi Arabia
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Al Nassr FC logo
Al Nassr
Saudi Arabia
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  • 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

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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.

N'Golo Kante, Aymeric Laporte, Spain, France, Euro 2024, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League.
Spanish defender, Aymeric Laporte, believes N'Golo Kante's displays at the Euros give credence to the Saudi League's strength. Photos by Yasser Bakhsh, NurPhoto and Michael Regan - UEFA.
Source: Getty Images

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.

“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.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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