Frank claims Vitinha will win the next Ballon d’Or after UCL clash with PSG

Tottenham twice let a lead slip against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Thomas Frank has hailed one of the thorns in his team’s side

Thomas Frank claims Vitinha will be the next Ballon d’Or winner after his stunning hat-trick vs Tottenham. The Portuguese midfielder netted a treble as Paris Saint-Germain twice came from behind to secure a memorable Champions League win.

It took Vitinha’s record this season to five goals and eight assists in all competitions for the French champions. And after struggling to keep him quiet, Spurs boss Frank has tipped the 25-year-old to claim the next Ballon d’Or.

Speaking after his side’s 5-3 defeat, he said: "I am very pleased with the performance. Today was much more the identity of the team, the bravery and aggressiveness of the team.

"There were lots of positives, the two strikers scoring three goals between them, the whole team performed really well. The performance was to get something out of the game but then you need to have the margins with you but we can't concede some of the goals we did.

"Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world. He will be the next Ballon d'Or winner."

Meanwhile, Vitinha spoke after the full-time whistle and hailed his side’s character, as well as quality. He said: “Difficult game. Tottenham is a good team.

“They were able to create some difficulties for us. We conceded two goals we were not expecting, a little bit against the way the match was going I think.

“We showed a lot of personality to come back two times from the score and really, really happy with this. And I congratulate all the team because we are a very, very good team and we never surrender.

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Asked about his treble, the midfielder added: “I never thought of scoring a hat-trick, in the Champions League as well. It’s a dream.”

Should Frank’s prediction come true, that could potentially see PSG handed a second-consecutive Ballon d’Or winner in as many years. The French club’s star forward Ousmane Dembele claimed the award last season after a standout campaign in which he scored 35 goals and notched 16 assists on the way to the Champions League.

Following their defeat to PSG, Spurs now sit 16th in the Champions League table, albeit just two points away from the automatic places for the last 16. Spurs are back in action this weekend as they take on London rivals Fulham at home.