Former Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal has hailed Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne as the best player in the world ahead of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

Van Gaal believes De Bruyne deserves to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Benzema but feels De Bruyne’s position as a midfielder counts against him as strikers are always chosen as winners.

“For me (De Bruyne) he is the Player of the Year,” Van Gaal said ahead of Netherlands’ clash with Belgium in the Nations League on Friday. “The Ballon d’Or? That’s what I mean, yes.

“But as a midfielder he will not be chosen easily. It is always attackers who win.”

Van Gaal’s comments are shocking as Benzema deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year after helping Real Madrid win the La Liga and Champions League.