Ballon D’or

Adolfo Valencia believes Luis Díaz has reached a level that puts him in the Ballon d'Or conversation. The former Bayern Munich and Colombia striker said the winger’s numbers and current form make him one of the strongest candidates in the game. Speaking to Sport BILD, Valencia argued that Díaz should already be viewed among the top names for football’s biggest individual prize. He added that a strong run for Colombia at the World Cup could push the Liverpool and Bayern-linked forward even closer to serious contention. Why Valencia thinks Díaz stands out Valencia said Díaz is “currently one of the best players in the world” and pointed to his statistics as proof. He also said Colombia need to support him if they want his Ballon d'Or case to grow even stronger. “If Colombia goes far in the World Cup and Lucho continues to perform at his current level, he can be one of the favourites. Our national team must support him,” Valencia said. He added that Colombia have enough quality and experience to do that, naming James Rodríguez as one of the players who could help carry the team. For Valencia, Díaz’s individual case is tied closely to how far his national team can go. Why Bayern may suit him better Valencia also suggested that Díaz is thriving in Germany because of the environment around him. He said Bayern Munich are giving him something he did not always feel at the end of his time at Liverpool. According to Valencia, the support from teammates, club management, and fans has helped Díaz feel appreciated and motivated. “Lucho is performing particularly well at Bayern because his teammates, the club's management, and the fans are giving him the love that he felt was somewhat lacking at the end of his time at Liverpool,” he said. He added that Díaz is the kind of player who responds strongly when he feels valued. Valencia described him as “a very grateful and down-to-earth person” who wants to repay that trust on the pitch. The former striker also highlighted the quality around Díaz at Bayern, mentioning Michael Olise and Harry Kane, along with the coach’s work. He said those factors are helping create the right conditions for Díaz to keep producing at a high level. Valencia knows the club well from his own spell there, when he scored 13 goals and added 3 assists in 34 games in one season at Bayern. That background gives extra weight to his view that Díaz is in the right place to keep climbing in the global conversation. Read more at: sports.yahoo.com

Adolfo Valencia Sees Ballon d’Or Path For Luis Díaz, And Bayern’s Support Could Help