The midfielder feels a German player has a chance if the award is decided on team success, but the Madrid and Barca stars have it wrapped up based on individual displays
Bayern Munich star Xabi Alonso believes that it would be tough for a German player to beat Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to the Ballon d’Or.
The veteran Spaniard made a surprise summer move to the Allianz Arena from Real Madrid, where he played alongside Ronaldo and enjoyed many battles with Messi’s Barcelona.
A number of Bayern’s contingent of German World Cup winners are nominated for the prestigious award, including the likes of Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer, but Alonso feels the Liga pairing are still ahead of the competition in terms of individual performances.
He told Sport Bild: “It’s a very general question: is the award about individual, personal performances?
“In this case, it would be tough against Messi and Ronaldo. Or is it about the team’s success? Then the Germans have the best chance. I’ll cross my fingers for my Bayern colleagues.
“If Manuel Neuer were to win it, it would be just. I have to say that he’s not only the best goalkeeper I’ve played with but also outstanding as the 11th outfielder.
“Of course I knew before that he is world class, but his strength surprised me the most along with David Alaba.”
Alonso went on to say that he is interested to see how Toni Kroos, who moved to Real Madrid in the summer, fares at his former club.
“Of course I’m interested in how he does. Toni is still young and has been playing at the top level for two years now,” he added.
“For me, he is one of the top five midfielders in the world. I knew that he would not only succeed at Madrid, but also show his importance for the team.”