Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stressed that Inter Milan’s captain, Lautaro Martinez, has the potential to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
Guardiola’s comments came ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan which will kick off at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18.
Martinez, who was included in the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, has been making a strong impression in the football world, leaving Pep Guardiola with no choice but to shower him with praises.
“Lautaro Martínez can definitely win the Ballon d’Or; I would rather a Man City player won that accolade, but he is a sensational player”, Guardiola said.
“If you are a captain, a forward, and you play with Argentina, the World Cup champions and Copa América winners, you have to be a special player, otherwise, it’s difficult.”
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has voiced his support for Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the frontrunner to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Capello highlighted Rodri’s impressive performances across various competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, and the 2024 European Championships, which he won with Spain.
“I’d award Rodri for his performances in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Euros. He was the best this season”, Capello told Il Corriere della Sera.