Xabi Alonso: Manuel Neuer deserves Ballon d'Or

Bayern Munich stopper Neuer is a candidate for the Ballon d’Or and team-mate Alonso believes he would be a worthy winner of the prestigious award.

“Neuer is by far the best goalkeeper I’ve played with and he is a big player for us out on the pitch,” the former Real Madrid midfielder told Sport Bild.

“It would only be fair if he won the Ballon d’Or for this year, I’ve no doubt about it.

“When I arrived at Bayern I knew Neuer was a top player but he has surprised me even more.”

Alonso also revealed he has spoken to Toni Kroos, his successor at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“We talked about a bit of everything and for me he is already one of the best five midfielders in the world.

“He decided to go to Real Madrid and I think he’ll be crucial there and it depends whether he can be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, as it’s an award for dominant individual performances or the collective performances by a team or a national team.

“Individually it’s always going to be difficult against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but if the national teams are being rewarded then the Germans have an advantage.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed for my Bayern team-mates,” he added.

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