Real Madridβs James Rodriguez believes teammate Cristiano Ronaldo should win the Ballon dβOr by a landslide.
βIt is an award all players dream of, but the Ballon dβOr is Cristianoβs right now,β the Colombia international said.
βHeβll win it again this year because he deserves it, simple as that. He should win with 99 per cent of votes.β
I suppose the Colombian international is accounting for the 1%, as Argentina boss Gerardo Martino recently revealed that he has and always will vote for Lionel Messi as long as he remains on the ballot.
Ronaldo is looking to dethrone Messi for the second year in a row after beating the Argentine to last yearβs King of Football throne. The Portuguese international has had an outstanding year filled with personal accolades in addition to bringing Real Madrid to their long awaited βdecimaβ, their tenth Champions League title.
Rodriguez, who recently picked up an injury in Real Madridβs clash against Celta Vigo echoed the words of manager Carlo Ancelotti on the Ronaldo matter.
βAs 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.β
Real Madridβs number 10 also took the time to dazzle some praise on his Italian manager.
βAncelotti is a great coach and we talk often. He has taught me a lot these past few months. Iβm working hard to keep learning from him.β
According to Rodriguez and Ancelotti, the key to a winning offense is a strong defense and that is the magic behind Madrid.
βHe asks much more of everyone defensively speaking. Thatβs the key to Realβs current good form. The only way of achieving what we do is with humility. Thereβs no other way. Yes, itβs a very humble group.β