Legendary France striker Jean-Pierre Papin, a Ballon d'Or winner in 1991, has claimed that Liverpool and Spain forward Fernando Torres is deserving of this year's prize.
The favourites for the Golden Ball are Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, both of whom were in destructive form for Barcelona during the Catalan club's relentless march to a historic treble last season.
However, Papin feels Torres' efforts in a Red jersey should not be forgotten. He told L'Equipe TV: "Do not forget Torres, he is able to score extraordinary goals and is often decisive.
"Liverpool do not have the same performance when he's not there."
Torres recently helped fire Liverpool to glory as he scored the opener in the club's clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
Team-mate Javier Mascherano claimed that the presence of Torres, and talismanic captain Steven Gerrard too, can make all the difference.
"Fernando proved what a good player he is for us, and that he can be the difference and we are happy that he is back because we need him," This Is London quote the Argentine as saying.
"We are waiting for Stevie [Gerrard] to be fit as well.
"We won against United without him, but we know he's really important and a key player for us and we want to have him back as soon as possible.
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The favourites for the Golden Ball are Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, both of whom were in destructive form for Barcelona during the Catalan club's relentless march to a historic treble last season.
However, Papin feels Torres' efforts in a Red jersey should not be forgotten. He told L'Equipe TV: "Do not forget Torres, he is able to score extraordinary goals and is often decisive.
"Liverpool do not have the same performance when he's not there."
Torres recently helped fire Liverpool to glory as he scored the opener in the club's clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
Team-mate Javier Mascherano claimed that the presence of Torres, and talismanic captain Steven Gerrard too, can make all the difference.
"Fernando proved what a good player he is for us, and that he can be the difference and we are happy that he is back because we need him," This Is London quote the Argentine as saying.
"We are waiting for Stevie [Gerrard] to be fit as well.
"We won against United without him, but we know he's really important and a key player for us and we want to have him back as soon as possible.
Link
