Owen Hargreaves baffled that Radja Nainggolan is not a Premier League player

Former England international Owen Hargreaves has expressed his astonishment regarding why no Premier League club snatched up Radja Nainggolan over the summer.  

Nainggolan, 30, parted company with Champions League semi-finalists Roma, ending a four-year stint in the Italian capital in favour of signing for Serie A rivals Inter Milan.

The former Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the years, and speculation regarding a move to Chelsea had been gaining serious traction over the past couple of windows prior to his move to the San Siro.

However, a move to west London failed to transpire – Nainggolan claimed to have rejected the Blues – and the midfield enigma opted to remain on Italian soil and now makes up a vital cog in Luciano Spalletti’s machine, netting one goal in two appearances for the club.

Ex-Manchester United player Hargreaves has now revealed his confusion as to why no Premier League club swooped in for his signature.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “Why he is not playing in the Premier League? Why didn’t a Premier League team sign this guy? Because he has everything.

“He’s powerful, he’s strong, technically he’s very good. He’s a brilliant passer of the ball and he’s capable of virtually everything a central midfield player can do.

“He can win the ball, but then he can break and get forward. I think in this Inter team now he’s going to play a bit differently.

Radja Nainggolan has created more chances (196) and won more tackles (214) for Roma than any other player in Serie A and the Champions League since 2015/16.

A midfielder who can do both. pic.twitter.com/61812GZ461

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 26, 2018

“He’s strong, confident in possession… and he’s able to play a key pass.

“He’s one of those players you can look to and he can give you everything.”

Nainggolan has been named in the starting line-up for Inter Milan’s Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur this evening.

The two European heavyweights collide at the San Siro, and Nainggolan is expected to play a dominant role in the centre of the park.

The Belgian will be looking to emulate his achievements from Europe last term, after helping guide Roma to the penultimate stage of the competition.

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