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The 59 man long list for the FIFA Ballon d’Or has been leaked, and it includes two Gunners: Alexis Sanchez and David Ospina.
Winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or is every players dream and puts them in the bracket of some truly elite legends. From the likes of George Best, Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten and Michele Platini to modern stars like Kaka, Fabio Cannavaro, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, it’s the award that recognises true greatness.
The past five years have been dominated by a duel between goal machines Messi and Ronaldo, however with their dips in form, injury and age creeping up on them, this year there is a genuine chance that another star could win it.
Not since Thierry Henry (whose 2nd place to Pavel Nedved in 2003 was a complete injustice) has a Gunner been a true contender for the award. With such talent in world football, it’s hugely difficult to get into the final 23 shortlist, let alone win it.
David Ospina is unlikely to make it to the shortlist. Despite an outstanding World Cup and Copa America for Columbia, his reputation has suffered greatly in recent months. He was dropped as first choice for Peter Cech and has played poorly in Cup competitions for us this season, most recently at fault for at least one goal in the loss to Olympiacos.
Alexis Sanchez is a different prospect entirely. He has an excellent chance of making the final 23, and who knows how much further he can go if he can top last seasons 22 goals and nine assists. Here, Jonathan Kaney gives three reasons why Alexis deserves his nomination.
Click on Alexis below to see the THREE reasons why Alexis deserves to be on the 23 man shortlist for the award.
