La Liga news

Ronaldo can pip Messi to Ballon d'Or says Metzelder

The German defender feels his former team-mate has every chance of winning the individual award this year and has hailed his professionalism.

Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder believes Cristiano Ronaldo has a good chance of pipping Barcelona star Lionel Messi to the Fifa Ballon d'Or this year if Real Madrid win the Champions League.

The Madrid attacker had to settle for second spot in the prestigious individual award in 2011 and 2012, but his former team-mate believes he could very well bring home the trophy the next time around.

"I believe that Cristiano Ronaldo - and not Messi - can win the Fifa Ballon d'Or if Real Madrid win the Champions League this season," Metzelder was quoted as saying by Bild.

"Cristiano is probably even more complete than Messi because of his incredible dynamics. A shot from 45 yards out is like a rocket with him."

"Barcelona have a legacy that other teams lack" - Xavi Hernandez.

The 33-year-old midfielder believes that dominating opponents is important and is excited by the prospect of potentially playing the Champions League final at Wembley again.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has stated that the club have a strong identity and legacy that other top teams lack.

The veteran midfielder has been as influential as ever this season, with the club on the brink of wrestling the Liga title from the grasp of Real Madrid.

The Blaugrana have also reached the last four of the Champions League, but despite the prospect of bolstering their reserves of silverware, Xavi believes that results are not always the ultimate barometer of quality.

"Other teams win and are happy, but it's not the same. The identity is lacking," the 33-year-old told Uefa's Champions magazine.

"In football the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy."