In an exclusive interview with Get French Football News, former Manchester United, Tottenham, and Everton striker Louis Saha opened up about the teammates who left the biggest mark on his career—and his answer might surprise you.
When asked to name the best player he ever shared a pitch with, Saha didn't hesitate to put Cristiano Ronaldo on a pedestal. "Without disrespecting Zidane—who had incredible charisma and magic—I'm talking about pure talent," Saha explained. "After Pelé, the most complete, the most perfect player you could build is Cristiano. He's like a cyborg. If you had to design the ultimate footballer, it's him."
But the conversation took an interesting turn when Saha was asked about the most underrated teammate. While many might expect a nod to Tottenham legend Ledley King—whom Saha praised for his warrior mentality despite physical limitations—the Frenchman instead highlighted a name that might fly under the radar: Sylvain Distin.
"You might think I'm biased because he's my friend, but I've never understood why Sylvain wasn't called up for France," Saha said with a smile. "He played hundreds of Premier League games, yet never got the same recognition as Gallas, Silvestre, or Boumsong. He didn't have the gift of the gab or know how to promote himself the way others did. But on the pitch, he was right there with them. It's incomprehensible to me."
Saha also paid tribute to King, calling him a legend for his ability to perform at the highest level despite being "very physically diminished." "You'd never know it on the pitch because of his mentality and adaptability," Saha added.
From the cyborg-like perfection of Ronaldo to the quiet brilliance of Distin and the sheer grit of King, Saha's reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into what makes a truly great teammate—and why some of the best don't always get the headlines they deserve.
