Neymar believes a reported Liverpool target is a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or as the Brazilian put him on par with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham after his performances this year.
Major tournaments always play a big role in determining the Ballon d’Or winner and it’s likely to be the same this time around, with Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024 well underway currently.
The likes of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham have emerged as frontrunners due to their outstanding performances for Real Madrid last season. The duo could enhance their reputations with a string of noteworthy displays for Brazil and England respectively, but Neymar feels two more players could be in the running for football’s biggest individual honour.
Neymar believes Rodrygo deserves Ballon d’Or just as much as Bellingham
While Bellingham and Vinicius have got most of the plaudits at Real Madrid, Rodrygo is another player who enjoyed a successful season at the Spanish capital. And Neymar believes the Brazilian forward should be up there on the Ballon d’Or podium, indicating that he’s had just as good a season as Bellingham, if not better.
In an interview with journalist Isabella Pagliari on her YouTube channel, Neymar ranked his favourites for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. He said: “Vinicius Junior is first, Rodrygo and Bellingham are joint second. Mbappé enters the fray in third place.”
Liverpool contact Rodrygo’s representatives to discuss potential transfer
Liverpool are set to be active in the transfer market this summer to give new manager Arne Slot a squad capable of competing on all fronts.
As exclusively revealed by Rousing The Kop, the Reds are in touch with Rodrygo’s agents as they plot an ambitious swoop for the Brazilian.
While Rodrygo is not currently believed to be pushing for a transfer, his situation ‘could change’ this summer as he is likely to face more competition due to the arrivals of Endrick and Kylian Mbappe.
The same report states that the Reds have also made contact with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to inquire about Arda Guler‘s availability, so plans are well and truly in motion to bolster their options in attack.
How have Rodrygo and Bellingham performed in 2024 so far?
Deployed at the tip of the diamond in Carlo Ancelotti‘s 4-4-2 formation, Bellingham enjoyed a memorable first season at Real Madrid as he was named La Liga Player of the Season.
The Englishman scored 19 league goals – including goals home and away against Barcelona – to cement his status as one of the biggest matchwinners in world football.
He also scored England’s first goal at Euro 2024 in the 1-0 win against Denmark and started each of their three games at the group stages, indicating that he’s an indispensable asset for club and country.
While Rodrygo flattered to deceive in Brazil’s 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in their Copa America 2024 opener, he played a pivotal role as Real Madrid secured the league and UEFA Champions League double.
Playing alongside compatriot Vinicius Jr in attack, the Brazilian scored 17 goals across 51 appearances in all competitions, establishing himself as a vital cog in Ancelotti’s star-studded side.
