Former Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has launched a scathing attack on Scott McTominay, branding the Manchester United academy graduate an 'average player' despite his stellar performances in Serie A with Napoli.
McTominay's Impressive Form in Italy
McTominay, 29, left Old Trafford for Napoli in 2024 in a £25.7 million move that raised eyebrows initially. However, the Scotland international has since revitalized his career, winning the Serie A Player of the Season award and leading Napoli to the league title. In nearly two seasons at the club, he has scored 26 goals, establishing himself as a key figure in the team.
Nainggolan's Criticism
Despite McTominay's success, Nainggolan remains unimpressed. Speaking to Sky Calcio Unplugged, the Belgian said: 'I don't like him. He scores a lot of goals, but in general play… he'll always get 12, 13, 14 goals, but if he has to build play he doesn't have the technique to operate between the lines. He's an average player.'
Nainggolan's Self-Assessment
Nainggolan, who played for Roma between 2014 and 2018 and Inter Milan from 2018 to 2021, also rated himself above McTominay and Hakan Calhanoglu at his peak. However, he acknowledged the quality of Nicolo Barella, Kevin De Bruyne, and Luka Modric, placing them above himself.
Controversial Past
Nainggolan has never shied away from controversy. In 2024, he criticized Belgium's 'Golden Generation' for having 'too many divas' and failing to win a major tournament. The 37-year-old, who still plays for Patro Eisden in the Belgian second tier, has also faced legal issues. In 2022, he was arrested for driving with an expired license and was seen smoking an e-cigarette on the bench before a match. Last year, he was charged with participation in a criminal organization as part of a cocaine trafficking investigation, though he was released on conditions.
