'Fantastic Ronaldo deserves fifth Ballon d'Or' - James backs former Real Madrid team-mate
Cristiano Ronaldo is a “fantastic player” and fully deserving of a
fifth Ballon d’Or, says former Real Madrid team-mate James Rodriguez.
The Portuguese superstar is expected to be recognised as the best player on the planet once again at a star-studded ceremony in Paris on Thursday.If he is successful, then the 32-year-old will draw level with eternal rival Lionel Messi on five wins apiece as the period of dominance by the Madrid and Barcelona icons continues.
He told reporters: “It's deserved. Cristiano has had a great year and I'm happy for him.
“It'll be his fifth Ballon d'Or, and right now that says it all. He has improved over his whole career, which has turned him into a fantastic player.”
Ronaldo’s presence in Madrid was partly responsible for James struggling to nail down a regular starting berth, which ultimately led him to look elsewhere.
The Colombia international believes he is improving all the time, stating after a 3-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain: “Yes, I'm playing well at the moment, which is down to getting more minutes on the pitch.
“This means that things are coming off; when you play you can put your talents to the test, and everything is easier, particularly when you're playing alongside great players like the ones at Bayern. I'm enjoying myself and just want to help my team win.”
Despite seeing off PSG in their latest outing, Bayern could only finish as runners-up in their Champions League group.
The Portuguese superstar is expected to be recognised as the best player on the planet once again at a star-studded ceremony in Paris on Thursday.If he is successful, then the 32-year-old will draw level with eternal rival Lionel Messi on five wins apiece as the period of dominance by the Madrid and Barcelona icons continues.
He told reporters: “It's deserved. Cristiano has had a great year and I'm happy for him.
“It'll be his fifth Ballon d'Or, and right now that says it all. He has improved over his whole career, which has turned him into a fantastic player.”
Ronaldo’s presence in Madrid was partly responsible for James struggling to nail down a regular starting berth, which ultimately led him to look elsewhere.
The Colombia international believes he is improving all the time, stating after a 3-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain: “Yes, I'm playing well at the moment, which is down to getting more minutes on the pitch.
“This means that things are coming off; when you play you can put your talents to the test, and everything is easier, particularly when you're playing alongside great players like the ones at Bayern. I'm enjoying myself and just want to help my team win.”
Despite seeing off PSG in their latest outing, Bayern could only finish as runners-up in their Champions League group.
