Fernando Morientes is in no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d’Or award ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.
The former Real Madrid striker told Europa Press it is not only the Portuguese star’s prowess in front of goal that marks him out as the stand-out player of 2013, but also his all-round contribution to the Madrid side.
“There’s no doubt, for me and many people, that Cristiano deserves the award because he’s had an exceptional calendar year, not only in terms of goals but for his statistics in all other aspects of the game.
“When a player is so crucial in every way not only for his club, but also his country, then he is the clear candidate.
“Right now Cristiano might be the best player in the world without exception,” declared Morientes, who believes Carlo Ancelotti’s side have developed a different way of playing from last season, one that right now is possibly at its peak.
“Madrid are assimilating a philosophy and way of playing that is unlike last year. Cristiano wasn’t in the line-up for the last two games and things have worked out very well.
“They definitely have players who the fans and the Coach like to see on the pitch, ones that can make a difference, and we are talking about the best players in the world.
“At Barcelona they have had Lionel Messi injured and suffered two consecutive defeats. Whilst it’s true he is a great player who scores lots of goals and has other great players around him, there is also some dependency on Messi.
“We could also have thought the same of Madrid, but it’s not been like that,” asserted Morientes.