Gary Lineker has kicked off the new Premier League season with another very bold claim after suggesting N'Golo Kante "would walk into any team in the world."
The French midfield enforcer was a phenomenon in his debut season in England, with his heroic efforts in Leicester City's glorious title charge eventually resulting in a switch to Chelsea.
And Match of the Day host Lineker believes the Blues have pulled off the coup of the summer in securing 25-year-old Kante for a bargain £32m.
Advert
"Leicester have done well to keep their side intact, aside from the departure of Kante. He was the one I feared losing most as he would walk into any side in the world.
"It will be hard for Claudio Ranieri to replace him and that may force them to alter their system. Kante did the job of two men and he allowed Leicester to play two wingers and two forwards. He was vital to the functionality of the side and he will take those qualities with him to Chelsea, where he'll be a huge asset."
Unfortunately though, Leicester fan Lineker couldn't forsee another fairytale for the Foxes and, like most of us, couldn't offer a firm favourite for the premier League title.
Advert
"It is so difficult to predict a title winner as clearly Guardiola and Mourinho will come in and improve their sides and Antonio Conte will do so too at Chelsea.
"You'd expect Tottenham and Liverpool to make strides forward under Pochettino and Klopp so it all makes for a very, very competitive season with plenty of good football and lots of excitement.
"It's the most excited I've been for the start of a season in a while. Over the summer we've added even more of the biggest coaches and players to the league. We've now got even more fascinating characters and personalities in our league and that can only be a good thing.
"The rivalry and relationship between Pep and Jose in Manchester will be brilliant to follow and see how that plays out across a long season."
Advert
Whatever does happen, it must be more watchable than seeing Gary present MOTD in his underpants...
Watch the opening Match of the Day of the 2016/17 season on BBC One at 22:30 on Saturday 13th August.
Featured Image Credit: