Ballon d’Or 2019: After Uefa Nations League Final, Ryan Babel Identifies Player That Should Win Award

6 years ago Society Watch

Netherlands and Fulham forward, Ryan Babel, has backed Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Babel, a fellow country teammate with Van Dijk, believes the centre-back can be the first defender since Italian legend, Fabio Cannavaro, in 2006 to win the Ballon d’Or.

The 32-year-old stated this after Portugal defeated Netherlands 1-0 in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final.

Asked who should win 2019 Ballon d’Or, Babel told Sky Sports News: “The last time I remember a defender winning the Ballon d’Or, it was Cannavaro in 2006. So it’s not impossible.

“I think it is fair that he [Van Dijk] would at least be on the shortlist.

“We will see in the end if he wins it or not. I would be very happy for him if he does.”