Manchester City manager, Pep Guadiola has named former Barcelona star, Lionel Messi and Manchester City goal merchant, Haaland as favorites to win French Balon D’or.
While Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 games to help City win the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble, Messi lead Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar.
In a ceremony on October 30, the winner of the prize will be announced, and Messi and Haaland are the two favorites as Guardiola believes both players should win.
“Always I said the Ballon d’Or should be in two sections; one for Messi, then after another one so Haaland should win, yes,” Guardiola told a news conference on Friday.
“We won the treble, he scored a million goals. The worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it. Realistically I want Haaland to have it cause he helped us achieve what we achieved, I would love it. But Messi won the World Cup.”
During the international break, Haaland scored twice for Norway in a 4-0 victory against Cyprus, and Guardiola will be hoping it sparks a revival with City after going three club games without a goal.
Guardiola confirmed that John Stones is available for Saturday’s match against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium, despite concerns that the defender wouldn’t play in either of England’s upcoming international matches after being limited to only one substitute appearance for City so far this season.
“We were a little bit concerned,” Guardiola added. “We spoke with Gareth [Southgate], we have an incredible relationship. We were concerned because Stones didn’t play one minute in the last two months and then played for the national team. He was so important and we could not use him.
“We’re happy he got minutes but what if he gets injured? So he plays some minutes and comes off. They love to play for their countries, and I never say not to go there. Thankfully everything was right and he’s ready for the next games.”