Radja Nainggolan has in an interview with The newspapaer lashed out hard at Noa Lang. The 33-year-old midfielder from Antwerp says that he ‘cannot stand’ the the Dutch international. Nainggolan says Lang is indeed a good player, but has difficulty with the ‘manner’ of the wing attacker of Club Brugge.
“Purely in terms of quality, I think he is one of the better players. I’m saying it: he has that flash, can make an action. But as good as he may be, I can’t stand him. Always gesticulating with his hands and protesting”, says Nainggolan. Lang made his mark two weeks ago when he scored his first goal since September 10 against KRC Genk and celebrated it by putting his finger to his mouth.
“People talk a lot, so yes,” Lang explained to the camera of Eleven Sports his way of cheering. “Who are those? Those people themselves know that. I’m ready. I won’t say much about it, I have a goal and an assist. We won, that’s the main thing. I don’t care what is said. I do what I want. I score, I decide how I cheer.”
“Shut everyone up after being invisible for five games. Those are things I can’t live with. If he keeps his feet on the ground, he would be twice as good,” Nainggolan said. The midfielder has not yet faced Lang with his employer Antwerp this season, as he was not part of the selection in the previous meeting (1-1) in October due to an injury.
Nainggolan is also not a fan of Charles De Ketelaere, the top talent of Club Brugge. “I’m not a fan at all. He’s a deep striker now, but I don’t think he’s a deep striker. He often goes wrong and scores too little. As a number ten or winger I like him better, but I’m not as crazy about it as most,” says Nainggolan. De Ketelaere has been good for 7 goals and 6 assists in 25 official games this season.
Still, Nainggolan does not think that De Ketelaere should already be awarded the Golden Shoe in the Jupiler Pro League. “If he is later voted the best player in Belgium, I will not agree. But he now plays for Bruges and is an up and coming talent. You don’t need more for such a price. Mignolet, on the other hand, I think is a very good keeper. And has proven itself abroad. But he’s made a mistake three times now and they’re killing him. Proof that not much is known about it in our country.”