Thursday, 30th October, 2014
Colombia captain Mario Yepes believes his compatriot and Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez can challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
The 23-year-old, who was the 2014 World Cup’s top scorer with six strikes to his name, recently earned a place on the 23-man shortlist for the prestigious award.
Apart from winning the Golden Boot in Brazil, Rodriguez has also been in fine form for Real Madrid since joining the club from Monaco in the summer.
Rodriguez has thus far scored four goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.
And Yepes feels that his fellow Colombian has the potential to push Messi and Ronaldo all the way to win the Ballon d’Or.
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“Can James compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi for the Ballon d’Or? I’m sure that given what he achieved at the World Cup, he’s got what it takes to challenge them”, the veteran centre-back told FIFA's official site.
“He did really well in Brazil. James finished top scorer and had a great World Cup.
“He’s also showing that he was signed by Real Madrid on merit and has tons of potential. Let’s hope he can push them [Ronaldo and Messi] all the way, and why not?”
Rodriguez has 27 caps and 11 goals for Colombia to his name.
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