Former Manchester United Manager Louis Van Gaal Says Kevin De Bruyne Deserves Ballon d’Or

• Louis Van Gaal, who is known for his forthrightness, has touted Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne as his favourite to win this season's Ballon d'Or ahead of Karim Benzema
• The Manchester City maestro has played 45 games in all competitions this season and scored 19 while providing 14 assists
• Van Gaal is one of the most decorated coaches in the history of football, which has seen him take charge of various European heavyweights including Man United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich

Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal has waded into the discussion of who deserves to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or.

The former Manchester United trainer's choice goes contrary to the highly fancied opinion of Karim Benzema, who in the eyes of past and present football star is the overwhelming candidate to succeed Lionel Messi as the Ballon d'Or winner.

Kevin de Bruyne has had a brilliant season for Manchester City and continues to be a star for the Belgian national team.

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According to Van Gaal, De Bruyne - who won the Premier League Player of the Season - is his preferred candidate to annex the coveted diadem but argues because he is a forward he won't be considered.

“For me, he is the Player of the Year. The Golden Ball? That’s what I mean, yes.” Van Gaal said in his pre-match press conference as quoted by Then24.

“But as a midfielder, he will not be chosen quickly. It is always attackers who win."

The 70-year-old gaffer is currently preparing his side ahead of the UEFA Nations League tie against Belgium.

Man City talisman Kevin De Bruyne wins Premier League Player of the Season

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne has won the Premier League player of the season, beating the likes of golden boot-chasing duo Mohammed Salah and Son Heung Min.

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This is the second time in less than three years that the Belgian wins the award, having previously won it in 2020.

De Bruyne’s win also means that for the third season in a row, a Manchester City player has been declared the Player of the season after defender Ruben Dias was feted last year.