Luka Modric will win the Balon d’or as a reward for his impressive season according to Belgium and Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard.
33yr old Modric remains favorite to end Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominance of the award which have lasted for over a decade.
The Croatian was influential as his national team reached the finale of the Russia 2018 World Cup in July. Luka Modric was ever present as Real Madrid clinched the 2018 UEFA Champions league at Cardiff in May.
Hazard who is also contention for the individual price following an impressive season with Chelsea last season, however believes that the 2018 FIFA footballer of the year will win the accolade.
“I don’t think I’m going to win it. In my opinion, Modric deserves it,” he told a news conference.
“There are three to four players. I could say [Madrid and France defender Raphael] Varane because he won a lot too. I could deserve it too, let’s not lie”.
“But seriously, I think that Modric will win it. It is going to be a reward for his wonderful season in the Champions League and the final of the World Cup”.
Hazard and Belgium face Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, before taking on Netherlands in a friendly.