MANCHESTER − Former Man United star, Patrice Evra, revealed that a Premier League player should win the Ballon d’Or instead of the Argentine superstar claiming a record seventh triumph later this year.
The prestigious award has not been claimed by a Premier League player since Cristiano Ronaldo won it at the Red Devils in 2008.
Since then, only one Premier League player, Virgil van Dijk, has made it to the podium in 2019, with Real Madrid and Barcelona dominating the top three spots.
Patrice is “sick” of seeing the same players claim the mantle of world’s best player.
“In my opinion, this Ballon d’Or is for [N’Golo] Kante or Jorginho... I’m sick of giving it to (Lionel) Messi,” Patrice said via the Daily Mail.
“What did he win last year? Okay, the Copa America. With Barcelona, what did he do?”
N’Golo and Jorginho both played in central midfield for the Chelsea side, who beat Manchester City in May at the Estadio do Dragao.
Jorginho then went on to claim a Euro 2020 triumph with Italy; the 29-year-old’s iconic penalty style helping the Azzurri overcome Spain in the semi-finals.
However, Paris Saint-Germain’s boss, Mauricio Pochettino, disagrees: “The Ballon d’Or should go to (Lionel) Messi without any doubt.
“Even if I didn’t coach (Lionel) Messi, I would still say (Lionel) Messi.
“I answer with my heart. I always say what I feel. On the podium with him would have to be [Robert] Lewandowski and Cristiano (Ronaldo).” – Agencies, October 19, 2021
