
Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has claimed Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski deserves to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona in the summer, scored 50 goals in 46 appearances for Bayern Munich last season but Benzema is favourite to win the Ballon d’Or after leading Real Madrid to success in the La Liga and Champions League.
“Lewandowski deserves the Ballon d’Or,” Puyol said of the Polish forward.
“He is one of the best number nines in the world, an impressive player who dominates many defenders. He is not only a striker; he knows how to hold the ball up and combine too.
“Benzema and Lewandowski are the best strikers in the world. Karim has been carrying Madrid on his back since Cristiano [Ronaldo] left and Lewandowski has been incredible at Bayern.”