Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is on the thirty-man shortlist for the Ballon D’Or, as is midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNewsargues that Martinez in particular deserves serious consideration for the award.
The process of voting for the Ballon D’Or is now beginning.
The thirty potential consideration for world football’s top individual honour have been revealed.
In terms of the most likely contenders for the award, there are a few.
Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham will certainly be in contention after having guided Los Blancos to the La Liga title and Champions League victory last season.
However, both of that duo had somewhat subpar performances at the Copa America and Euros respectively over the summer.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is a third Real Madrid player who could conceivably take the honour. The Frenchman complete his move to the Spanish capital from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Meanwhile, midfielder Rodri was a key player for Manchester City in the Premier League as well as Spain at the Euros.
And while striker Erling Haaland was not able to have a memorable year with the Norwegian national team, his goals were key for City’s dominance in England.
Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez & Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu On Ballon D’Or Shortlist
In the view of the Gazzetta, Inter captain Martinez deserves consideration every bit as much as the above names.
The Argentine powered Inter to the Serie A title in his first season with the armband.
Martinez was Inter’s top scorer for the third season in a row last campaign. And for the first time, he was also the top scorer for the Italian top flight as a whole.
Meanwhile, Martinez was also the top scorer at the Copa America.
The Nerazzurri captain found the back of the net five times as Argentina won the trophy. This included the extra time winner in the final against Colombia.
Therefore, considering his exploits for club and country, the Gazzetta consider Martinez to be a serious candidate.
Meanwhile, midfielder Calhanoglu is also on the list.
The 30-year-old former AC Milan midfielder had a decent Euros with Turkey.
But it was the club season that really saw Calhanoglu shine. The Turk was named as the best midfielder in Serie A last season, as he was absolutely indispensable for Inter.
Meanwhile, other big name Inter players such as Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni miss out on the shortlist.
