Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has backed Paris Saint Germain forward Ousmane Dembele to win the prestigious ballon d’Or award.
Dembele enjoyed a hugely successful campaign with the French side, contributing 35 goals and 16 assists as they claimed a historic treble which included a first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
The French attacker also scored twice in four games as Les Parisiens reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup before suffering a shock 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Speaking in an interview, Clichy believes that Dembele should win the award because he was more influential than any other player.
He said; The Ballon d’Or rewards players who are decisive. You have to take into account individual statistics, which have been highlighted by Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Lionel Messi.
This year, Ousmane Dembele has some pretty crazy numbers. And when he came on during the match, he was sharp, with or without possession, when he pressed”, Clichy added.
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“For me today, Dembele is the winner hands down. With Thierry Henry, we say that Ousmane is the most complete, he can score and make others score, cause chaos around him, he contributes defensively with his pressing,” he continued.
Dembele faces competition from Barcelona duo- Lamine Yamal and Raphinha for the award, and Clichy believes the Frenchman should he the outright winner.
“Today we have to give credit to Ousmane on these pressing phases, especially for players of this quality, he makes the work of an entire team easier. It’s rare to see a player like that get in tune.”
The Ballon d’Or award ceremony will take place on the 22nd of September, with Dembele hoping to become the first France player to win after Karim Benzema in 2021.
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