With FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi tipped as the heavy favourite to win the 2019 Ballon d'Or, a former Premier League star has explained why he believes Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the prize.
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Messi may lead the way in terms of goals across Europe’s top five leagues since the turn of the year so far, but ex-Everton forward Tim Cahill feels Ronaldo might be more deserving of the prestigious individual prize.
The Australian has been impressed with the 34-year-old since his move to Italy, and insisted his influence on Italy's Serie A has been second to none.
"The reason why I say Ronaldo, I know people won't agree, is because of what he's done in Juventus," Cahill told Alkass Sport.
"He left Real Madrid, went there and had such a massive impact on another league. I've never seen another player do it at Man United, Madrid for so many years.
"And I know he didn't win the Champions League but he has such an impact in any club. If you can take players and put them somewhere at his age...
"I know people won't agree, I just appreciate his professionalism."
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While Messi has scored 29 club goals in 2019 so far, Ronaldo has struck just on 12 occasions.
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