---
title: "Wenger backs Mane to win Ballon d’Or – but does he deserve it?"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/wenger-backs-mane-to-win-ballon-dor-but-does-he-deserve-it/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-10-21T12:30:25Z"
modified: "2019-10-21T12:30:25Z"
---

# Wenger backs Mane to win Ballon d’Or – but does he deserve it?

Virgil van Dijk remains the strong favourite to win the Ballon d’Or later this year, pipping Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.

A number of Liverpool players are also expected to feature in Monday’s nominations, however, following a memorable 2019 that saw Champions League glory clinched.

Although Van Dijk appears to be the man to beat, Arsene Wenger believes another Reds player should scoop the prize.

[Speaking](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/wenger-explains-why-liverpool-star-mane-should-scoop-ballon-dor) on *beIN Sports*, the legendary former Arsenal manager claimed Sadio Mane deserves to be recognised as Europe’s premier player in 2019:

> Mane was the outstanding character.

> I would say – because he is a fighter and efficient. He’s not scared of anybody. At the moment, he deserves huge credit.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Mane has been sensational since the turn of the year, producing endless world-class performances out on the left-hand side.

Despite that, it would still be a surprise if he beat Van Dijk to the award, should Messi not claim it instead.

The Liverpool centre-back has still been his side’s most important player over the past 12 months, although Mane is not far behind at all.

Both are cementing their place as modern Reds greats.