Liverpool fans may be sorry to see Leo Messi win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Virgil van Dijk but at least there is an explanation to this. Messi's talent is obvious and, honestly, he was one of the favourites for the award. So now wonder why a lot of countries placed the Argentinian on top of their rankings.
However, some decision can't be explained at all. Sri Lanka representative, Daily News journalist Hafiz Marikar, has compiled a truly bizarre top five and even Trent Alexander-Arnold's name on the list does not make it more normal.
Here it is:
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal3. Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona4. Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich5. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona
It's nice to see the Reds right-back on top of the rankings but with all due respect his teammates Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, Alisson and Mohamed Salah deserved the award a little bit more.
As for the other names on the list, ridiculous is the best word to describe the feelings. Aubameyang won nothing except the Golden Boot last season, this term he is struggling with Arsenal. Griezmann's only achievement is perhaps his big-money transfer to Barcelona. Robert Lewandowski and Marc-Andre ter Stegen were eliminated from the Champions League by Liverpool.
