Former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil has insisted that the club's forward, Vinícius Júnior, is the best player in the world at the moment.
Özil made this claim just days after former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger ranked the Brazilian as the third-best player.
Özil, who played for Arsenal under Wenger before joining Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, was responding to a question about his pick for the best player at present.
Vinícius Júnior had thought he would win the Ballon d'Or last year until the final moments when reports suggested that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was being favoured.
He finished 2024 as the second-best player in the world, according to France Football.
The Brazilian international has been in outstanding form this season, with many tipping him to claim the most prestigious individual award this year.
"The best player at this moment? Vinícius Júnior," he said via Madrid Xtra, as reported by Sportskeeda.
Legendary Arsenal manager Wenger had ranked Vinícius only third among the best players in the world.
In Wenger's view, the Brazilian was behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé.
Vinícius has contributed 16 goals and 12 assists in 36 matches across all competitions.
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