James Rodriguez has said Real Madrid team mate Cristiano Ronaldo should win the Ballon d’Or by a landslide.
The 29-year-old is up against Leo Messi and Manuel Neuer for the award, which will be announced at a FIFA ceremony in January. The forward picked up football’s most prestigious individual honour last season, and has taken his game to new heights this calendar year.
His 17 goals in the Champions League last season helped Madrid to their 10th European Crown, and set a new record in the competition. And he’s started this season by scoring 23 league goals so far this campaign – 10 more than second placed Leo Messi in the scoring charts. His hat-trick at the weekend against Celta Vigo made him the highest hat-trick scorer in La Liga history.
Speaking to Marca, the Colombian said: “It is an award all players dream of, but the Ballon d’Or is Cristiano’s right now.
“He’ll win it again this year because he deserves it, simple as that. He should win with 99 per cent of votes. As our coach said, there is a huge gulf between Cristiano and all the rest right now. His quality speaks for itself. He works very hard to be what he is: the best in the world.”
The Colombian also had words of praise for Carlo Ancelotti, saying: “Ancelotti is a great coach and we talk often. He has taught me a lot these past few months. I’m working hard to keep learning from him.
“We are all really happy to be working with Carlo. He asks much more of everyone defensively speaking. That’s the key to Real’s current good form.”
