Mohamed Salah has enjoyed another stunning season at Liverpool, but Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer believe Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele is favourite to win the Ballon d'Or
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree that Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele should be this season's Ballon d'Or favourite. The pair believe the award should go the way of the Frenchman as opposed to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
PSG strode to Champions League glory with ease this term, dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in the final and cutting through a trio of English clubs, including Arne Slot's Reds, whom they edged out on penalties in March, on their way to the final in Munich.
With their blistering counterattacks, Luis Enrique's outfit dazzled, and the likes of Achraf Hakimi, final sensation Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the lethal Dembele have all starred.
Sporting an impressive tally of 33 goals across competitions, Dembele has been a cornerstone of his side's domestic and European triumphs, and Lineker and Shearer believe he currently trumps Premier League golden boot and title winner Salah in the race for the Ballon d'Or.
"We have to come to the inevitable question these days about the Ballon d'Or," began Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast alongside co-host Shearer.
"It's obviously hugely influenced by the side that wins the Champions League final, but in some way, because of the nature of PSG's teamwork, it doesn't come down to one individual.
"I mean, you could probably give it to quite a few of their particular players, but I suppose Dembele will be favourite. He had a couple of really good moments [in the final].
"He didn't get his goal, but he was very involved in some of the goals, one assist and a pre-assist or something - one of two of those as well.
"So, I think he'll probably be favourite now. I mean, [Gianluigi] Donnarumma, as a goalkeeper, might have a slight chance, but goalkeepers [rarely win such awards]. Or even Hakimi."
Shearer replied: "Yeah, I would guess that Dembele, even though he didn't get his goal, would be probably the favourite for it, wouldn't he? There are a few in that team that could be in with a shout for it."
Lineker quipped: "The two full-backs are absolutely fabulous, aren't they. I mean, gee whiz," while Shearer added: "The way that PSG play, they've got the freedom to go forward.
"You just look at Hakimi's record, in the quarters, semis and final, all scoring. I mean that sort of tells you. They are as good as any in world football at what they do. They are an exceptional team."
Discussing PSG's upcoming transfer window, Shearer acknowledged that newcomers will face a challenging time securing a spot in Enrique's starting lineup.
"I mean, whoever they recruit this summer, if they do - I would imagine they are gonna get one or two in," concluded Shearer. "They are going to have to be exceptional talents, exceptional players to get into that first eleven."