The former Chelsea star, now with Al-Ittihad, was named in the Les Bleus squad yesterday.
But Petit told RMC: I have seen several matches in the Saudi championship since September and I remain with the same impression, they are very far from the European level.
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"In midfield, they have the latitude to be able to play, to control the ball, to turn around, to do things. They are not under pressure, there is no real physical dimension. It is often an attack-defense with a no-man's land in midfield.
"(But) I'm delighted to see N'Golo Kant back in the French team because he's a guy that everyone adores, his personality is unanimous and you know that he will give you everything he has."