5 players (apart from Messi/Ronaldo) who have shown Ballon d’Or-worthy abilities this season

Modified Feb 21, 2018 11:19 GMT

The eternal duo have dominated the award for the past decade, can someone else win it in 2018? — The duo has dominated the award for the past decade, can someone else win it in 2018?

#3 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich & Poland)

RSC Anderlecht v Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League — New hair, same old LewanGOALski

Goleador, master poacher, penalty box assassin and all-round world class player, the giant Pole’s name has been constantly mentioned in Ballon d’Or discussions for the better part of 5 seasons now and no matter what happens when voting for the award commences, expect LewanGOALski’s name to be placed high on the list.

While he may have changed the colour of his hair, nothing has changed about his output as he has again delivered another 20+ season in the Bundesliga and is also placed high in the goalscorers’ chart in the UEFA Champions League where following his brace against Turkish side Besiktas in last night’s round of 16 encounter he has delivered 5 goals in six games and is expected to get even more as the tournament progresses.

While his record for Bayern has been fantastic, his performances for the Polish national team have been even more impressive given the differences in the quality of the supporting cast at Bayern and the national team.

His record of 51 goals in 91 appearances which means basically one goal in every 1.78 games is astonishing and he will be one to watch at the World Cup.

With the Bundesliga title a formality already, his performances in the Champions League & at the World Cup will be crucial for his Ballon d’Or chances, given his pedigree; expect him to deliver.