"That's what Iniesta and Xavi did" - Roberto Martinez picks surprise Ballon d'Or contender ahead of Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has named Vitinha and Nuno Mendes as his top Ballon d'Or contenders. He went as far as to compare the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder to Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Speaking on Partidazo de COPE program, Martinez said that Vitinha and Mendes have dominated across competitions, winning all trophies on offer this season. He believes that the PSG duo should be above all in the Ballon d'Or race. He said (via OJogo):

"Three names for the Ballon d'Or? You order three... I would say that Vitinha and Nuno Mendes are far above the rest, at the level of what they are achieving for the clubs and their profiles.

"Vitinha is a player like we are used to in Spain, that's what Iniesta and Xavi did, they opened a new position on the field. Vitinha still has traces of a player who was in the Premier League, physically stronger, who likes the duel and is intelligent in set pieces. And Nuno Mendes, for me, and it's normal for him to say it because he looks like a father talking about his son, he's the best left-back in the world I've ever seen. I thought that the perfect player resisted and Nuno Mendes is very close to that."

Vitinha and Nuno Mendes played a key role for PSG as they won the Ligue1, Coupe de France and UEFA Champions League. They also played for Portugal as they lifted their second UEFA Nations League title.

Roberto Martinez spoke about the Ballon d'Or last week

Roberto Martinez also spoke about the Ballon d'Or race before the Nations League final. He had backed Vitinha to win the personal accolade back then as well. He said (via GOAL):

"One thing is what Vitinha is doing this season. For me, without a doubt. He is a player who was essential for PSG to win everything they have won. I think that due to Vitinha's style and effectiveness, he deserves to be awarded the Ballon d'Or."

He also praised Lamine Yamal, saying that the teenager was the best in the world in his position. He believes that no other player comes close to Yamal in his position. He said on Partidazo de COPE program on (via GOAL):

"I don't know how you treat him. Lamine is the best at his position and has been very consistent. There is no talent who plays in his position and plays like that. We have to help him."

Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Mohamed Salah are touted to be the front-runners for the Ballon d'Or this season.