'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
UEFA president Michel Platini has stated that a German player should be the deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or this year rather than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
Club trophies mattered for Ballon d’Or until Messi won it in 2010
The former France international has argued that any one from Joachim Low’s World Cup winning side should be honored with the prestigious individual accolade instead of the duo, who have been dominating the trophy for the last five years. Ronaldo had a tremendous season both individually and on a collective basis, winning two trophies with Real Madrid, including the Champions League and finishing up as the top-scorer in Europe. He has carried on with his form in the new season, scoring at an amazing rate and is a red hot favourite to win what would be his third trophy.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi had a pale outing when compared to his adversary but the Argentine inspired his side to the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil which should also keep him in contention.
However, Platini disagrees as he has preferred a German to win the prize ahead of the superstar duo.
Talking to beIn Sports the three-time Ballon d’Or winner said, "I don't vote for the Ballon d'Or but, in principle, [in a World Cup year] it's a player who has produced big performances in the tournament who wins it."
"So, it should be a German this year.
"It was like that until 2010, when Messi won in spite of having had an average World Cup, so nothing is certain for this year.
"However, what is certain is that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world long with Lionel Messi. There's no doubt about that," he added.
Less freedom for players in the modern era
Platini also commented on how the game has changed a long way from a player’s point of view when compared to his playing days.
"Football has taken another dimension in the last 20 years," Platini added."The superstar status players enjoy is proportional to that. Players benefit in every way."In return, though, they have more orders to follow than in the past. In my time, we were freer."
