Butragueno: Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or

Ability to single-handedly determine the match's outcome

Posted Sunday, October 30, 2016 by Marca.com

Fresh off a 4-1 win against Alaves that consolidates Real Madrid atop the LaLiga table, Emilio Butragueno lauded Cristiano Ronaldo's performance, whom he considers the frontrunner to win this year's edition of the Ballon D'Or.

The Real Madrid Director of International Relations, dismissed the possibility the star forward was going through a slump prior to Saturday's match in Vitoria.

"Cristiano [Ronaldo] was never gone [in poor form], and without a doubt deserves the Ballon d'Or," Butragueno told Movistar +. "He's a constant threat to the opposition.

"Ronaldo scored three, nearly four goals on Saturday, and this happens every week because he's capable of deciding a match by himself at any given moment."

The former Spanish international also congratulated striker Alvaro Morata, who scored yet another goal as a substitute.

"Morata helps us whenever he jumps onto the pitch," he said.

"His goal was crucial for us to put the match out of reach by masterfully finishing a great pass by Marcelo."

'El Buitre' made sure to applaud the hosts for their brave effort as well.

"It was a highly contested battle because Alaves started off really strong," the former player said.

"Eventually, our individual skill made the difference, but we were unable to seize the win until late in the match.

"It's a fantastic result for us."