The awards season is upon us, and the main event that all the best players are hopeful of winning is the illustrious Ballon d’Or. However, some players who have achieved great success have been, shockingly, left out of contention once the shortlist was announced.
These are the top players who are likely to be the most disappointed to miss the cut as they had outstanding seasons and contributed to their teams being among the bookmakers’ favourites for numerous matches. Punters can bet at the best online bookies in UK and use their best odds and Acca boosts to maximise their wins, as well claim cashback, should they lose their bet. But, which players have been shockingly left off the shortlist?
N’golo Kante
One of the biggest omissions from the shortlist was Chelsea’s N’golo Kante. The holding midfielder enjoyed another excellent season at Stamford Bridge and was a crucial member of their side that were crowned the Europa League winners back in May. However, his performances typically go under the radar as he does the dirty work that allows players in the attacking positions to flourish.
He has won virtually everything that there is to win in the game, and Maurizio Sarri’s decision to play him out of position for most of last season was deeply damaging to his position. The Blues are a significantly worse side without the Frenchman in it, and so is the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Injuries have lamented the Frenchman’s opportunities so far this season, but he has managed to score twice in four appearances in the Premier League. He will be set to flourish once he returns from injury.
Harry Kane
The England captain is another player that was shockingly left off the shortlist, which is surprising, considering what he did on the pitch for club and country over the past 12 months. He guided his club to a first-ever Champions League final, and a top-four finish. His consistency over the past five seasons is astounding, and the omission could have been ill-judged.
Last season he scored 17 goals in 28 Premier League fixtures, and his performances for England saw the nation finish third in the inaugural Nations League. The only factor that could have gone against the Englishman could have been the injury that kept him out for two months. He was rushed back in time for the Champions League final, and his performance in that showpiece event was unlike Kane as he clearly looked like he was still carrying an injury. However, he has started this new season in excellent form and has already scored five times in nine fixtures in England’s top-flight.
Andrew Robertson
The most startling omission from the shortlist would be one of the crucial members that helped deliver a sixth European Cup success to Anfield. Andrew Robertson played virtually every minute for the Reds last season and was in excellent form throughout. The attacking style that Jurgen Klopp has implemented at Liverpool has allowed the full-backs in his side to flourish, and while Trent Alexander-Arnold may win the Golden Boy award, the omission of Robertson from contention for this award evokes disbelief.
He recorded eleven assists in the Premier League last season and played in every game for the club in their Champions League success. His performances grew widespread accolade from the footballing world, but FIFA clearly haven’t seen his play. He has already started this new season in the same form and has already recorded three assists in nine Premier League fixtures. Should he maintain the same form, then it would seem incredibly unlikely that FIFA could leave him off the shortlist for next year’s Ballon d’Or.
