Serie A Legend Drops Scathing Rant Over Scott McTominay and Mocks Scotsman’s Technical Ability

Former Inter Milan midfielder, Radja Nainggolan, has dropped a scathing rant over Scott McTominay and mocked the Scotsman for a lack of technical ability.

What Did Radja Nainggolan Say About Scott McTominay?

Nainggolan has become a rather vocal figure since leaving Serie A in August 2021, as the Belgian continues to watch the league in which he made 367 appearances.

During his time in Italy, Nainggolan played for Piacenza, Cagliari, Roma and Inter, making his most notable impact on the Giallorossi with 203 appearances for the Rome-based side.

Despite spending 11-years in Italy, Nainggolan never got his hands on the Serie A title, finishing as a runner up with 2018/19 and not qualifying for Inter’s title-winning medal in 2020/21 after spending half of the season on loan to Cagliari.

In fact, the Belgian did not win any silverware in Italy, but did score two-goals in the 2017/18 Champions League semi-final against Liverpool – but overall he failed to make an impact on Roma’s European matches.

A lack of accolades in Italy may be something that plays on the Belgian’s mind and the former Roma star recently mocked a player that won the Scudetto in his debut season – Scott McTominay.

Nainggolan said: “Sorry, but I really don’t agree with that comparison. In my first year, I was a completely different person. McTominay is a perfect player for Antonio Conte’s game because he knows how to get into the box well.

“For that matter, Giaccherini could do the same. The Scotsman doesn’t have Vidal’s qualities. He’s not a player who distributes play, he’s not a player who lets you win the ball back and puts it aside for you.

“He’s not a great ball handler, nor is he technically strong. In fantasy football, he’s good because he scores goals, but if that’s the case, I’ve scored 11 goals in one season, and I don’t think he’s there yet.”

The Scottish international scored 12 league goals for Napoli last season, including the opening strike on the final day of the campaign to secure the league title – while also winning the Serie A MVP Award.

Why Did Manchester United Sell Scott McTominay?

Scott McTominay’s time with Manchester United came to an end during the 2024 summer transfer window and his performances for Napoli have made fans questing the sale.

The Scotsman made his United debut in May 2017 after working his way up the academy and went on to make 255 appearances for the Red Devils – winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Despite some impressive performances, McTominay was not viewed as the technical midfielder that Erik ten Hag wanted, meaning the Dutch coach decided to let McTominay go.

This now looks like a major mistake, with Ten Hag parting ways with United and McTominay becoming one of the best players in Italy but the two could come face to face once again as the Dutchman has been linked with a move to Serie A.

McTominay has shown no signs of slowing down this season, scoring in Napoli’s opening day victory over Sassuolo and the 28-year-old will be pivotal in the clubs’ run to the Scudetto.