Colombian striker Radamel Falcao should be among the leading candidates to create history and win the prestigious Ballon d-Or award, according to Ateltico Madrid coach Diego Simeone.
Falcao is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best players on the planet with his sensational form in Spain where he has scored 48 goals in just 59 games for Atletico since joining from Porto.
A shortlist of 23 candidates for the most prestigious individual award in soccer is to be announced October 30 and Simeone believes that his star striker should be mentioned alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as a favorite to win. If the 26-year old manages to do so he will become the Colombian winner in history.
Simeone responded when asked if it was unfair that Falcao is not being discussed as a favorite to win the award, “I absolutely believe what you are discussing. He was the top scorer in the last Europa League and European Super Cup … he is among the three best players in the world. Messi and Cristiano have had other situations, but Falcao should not envy anyone.”
The Argentine also said that he thought Falcao was somewhat of a rare breed in this day and age of soccer with less and less teams playing with an out-and-out frontman.
“He is a goalscorer, and is among the few remaining,” said Simeone adding, “He is growing game by game, growing even more in the decision to choose where to position himself on the pitch better, which is in the area, his natural habitat.”
