The battle for the Ballon d’Or has always been exciting. However, since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s period of dominance around this award has finally concluded, it opens the door for a new group of players to fight for the title of the best footballer in the world.
Real Madrid are the masters of finding the best talent from around the globe, and this year two players have been labelled as some of the world’s best: Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Both players have been nothing short of fantastic this season for Los Blancos. Bellingham’s midfield diversity to not only dominate the ball in the central areas but to also be able to propel himself forward and finish like a striker makes him one of the most dangerous players in the world. You cannot, however, dispute Vinicius’s importance to the squad. One of the most lethal finishers in the world, his pace and skill allow him to score chances that many players would not even be able to create.
Although both have combined this season – which has delivered them yet another La Liga title – they will both want to prove why they deserve to win this great honour. There is not a lot to separate these two generational talents but former Madrid star Julio Baptista has weighed in on the debate, telling Spanish outlet Marca who he believes is the difference-maker between these two starlets:
Bellingham Compared With Vinicius
Both deliver the goods
| Jude Bellingham vs Vinicius Jr in the Champions League | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Bellingham | Vinicius |
| Matches | 10 | 9 |
| Goals | 3 | 5 |
| Assists | 4 | 4 |
| Average Rating | 7.76 | 8.02 |
Bellingham has had one of the best debut seasons at a club we have ever seen, let alone with that season being with Real Madrid. He has finished this season with 19 league goals and 6 assists, claiming the top scorer award for Los Blancos.
His ability is nothing short of outstanding. To achieve the accolades that he has is one thing, but to be considered as one of the best players in world football at just 20 years old is freakishly impressive.
However, as shown by the statistics, Baptista may have a point about Vinicius being more impressive during the big games for Real Madrid. Although Bellingham has been immense in all competitions this season, he has struggled in some of the bigger games he has played this year
