Real Madrid Midfielder Xabi Alonso: I Would Give Barcelona's Xavi Ballon D'Or Title

Posted Wednesday, October 27, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso reckons international colleague Xavi is deserving of the 2010 Ballon d' Or title, and if it were up to him, the Barcelona playmaker would be handed the accolade.

The 23-man shortlist for the award was released today, and is dominated by the world champions, with seven of the squad, including Alonso, in contention for the crown.

Speaking to magazine DT, the cultured Real Madrid creator stated that out of all the candidates in the running, Blaugrana star Xavi is the most worthy.

He replied: “I like to look for players who have been spectacular on the pitch in recent years, and Xavi represents this.”

The former Liverpool man also took time out to praise the development of club colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, saying: “He is very ambitious, and is the type of player you are glad to have on your team. He is very normal, and is always thinking about football.”

Finally, Alonso discussed los Blancos' promising start to the new season, and in particular the arrival of coach Jose Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu.

He concluded: “It is a new year with new players and we are growing slowly. I think there are many things to improve, but the results are still good.

“[Jose Mourinho] is a very demanding coach and a hard worker. He likes to be on top of everything, and is very detailed.”