Valdano: James Rodriguez can win Ballon d'Or... if Lionel Messi retires!
Former Real Madrid manager and director of football Jorge Valdano says James Rodriguez can win the Ballon d'Or... once Lionel Messi retires.
The Colombian has enjoyed a wonderful season with Los Blancos on an individual level, though the team have achieved nothing as a whole.
Valdano told the official Copa America website: "As far as James is concerned, no club nor stage would be too big for him. With his attitude and talent he still has plenty of room to improve.
"It would not surprise me if he won the Balon d’Or one day. He just has to hope Messi retires!"
Valdano continued to speak about Messi, and the difference betweem his performance at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, and this season for Barcelona.
"Messi only needs to feel well physically and have a ball at his feet to be the best in the world," he said.
"At the World Cup he did not have the first of those two things and yet he was still hugely important. Over the last few years people have been asking what will Messi be like without Xavi and Iniesta. Well this year he’s answered that; he’s still the best in the world."
