Spanish legend names two Real Madrid stars as Ballon d’Or favourites | OneFootball

Real Madrid have lacked the conviction that defined the team last term and have looked like a shadow of the Europe-conquering side they were last season.

The team has not been functioning as a cohesive unit and Carlo Ancelotti has his work cut out in finding a system where he can exploit the best quality from all his resources.

Despite the team’s relative struggles, however, one cannot deny the sheer individual quality in the squad, especially with differential players like Luka Modric, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois in the side.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Spanish legend Marcos Senna gave his thoughts on several Real Madrid players, their level this season and the eternal Ballon d’Or question.

Thoughts on Vinicius Jr.

Senna praised Vinicius but said Lamine Yamal is better. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He began by heaping praise on Vinicius Jr and what sets the Brazilian apart from other elite footballers.

“Vinicius sometimes takes passes that are brutal. The other day he gave one to Rodrygo with Espanyol that it seemed that Modric had given it.”

Comparing the Real Madrid star’s style of play to Barcelona phenomenon Lamine Yamal, he said,

“Lamine hits it much better and in the one-to-one fills his eyes more. If he already had the speed of Vinicius, he would be the perfect dribbler,” praising the Real Madrid star’s pace.

Praise for Lika Modric

Commenting on Luka Modric who once again changed the tempo of the game for Real Madrid after coming on against Lille, the legend said,

“What is 39 years old? It doesn’t matter! He is the player who would always sign for Villarreal. Just being on the field, even if he doesn’t touch a ball, which I doubt, he already makes his teams better.”

“I’m a big fan of his. Then I would also tell you Rodrygo for his way of playing,” he added.

Ballon d’Or verdict

Senna feels Vinicius and Mbappe are favourites to win Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Finally, he gave his verdict on who deserves the Ballon d’Or this year picking Real Madrid’s star winger Vinicius Jr as one of his favourites.

“Without a doubt, Vinicius would be in my top-3 candidates for best player in the world last season. It’s been a few very good seasons.”

“I also put Rodri from Manchester City, who unfortunately has been injured. The third one may attract attention but I would put Mbappe in,” he added.

Justifying his decision to choose Mbappe in his top 3, he said,

“Because last year it’s true that he didn’t win anything really top, like a Champions League or the Euro, but he’s a player who enters for sure. It’s always differential,” he added.