Johan Cruyff says Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon should be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
The Dutchman, who won the award three times during his playing career, was discussing the Bianconeri’s Champions League defeat to his old side Barcelona, and singled out the Italian international for praise.
“The next Ballon d’Or?” Cruyff considered, speaking to Tuttosport.
Johan Cruyff says Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon should be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
The Dutchman, who won the award three times during his playing career, was discussing the Bianconeri’s Champions League defeat to his old side Barcelona, and singled out the Italian international for praise.
“The next Ballon d’Or?” Cruyff considered, speaking to Tuttosport.
“[Lionel] Messi is playing very well, but over the whole year, Buffon is definitely a contender for 2015. He’s been a great goalkeeper for years.
“That said, Juve have so many great players – I’m thinking of [Andrea] Pirlo, [Arturo] Vidal, [Paul] Pogba and [Alvaro] Morata.
“I especially appreciate Juventus’ organisation.”
Despite the defeat in Berlin on Saturday, Cruyff is sure Juventus will bounce back.
“Juve played the right way, they were organised, they played their style, they had their chances and they scored a goal. Barcelona are very strong though, and they showed that again.
“They [Juventus] will play to win it again next year. This year they got to the final, but they’ve been playing very well for a few years now.
“That’s good for Italian football, which I personally enjoy for several reasons. The technique is good, and you [Italians] play a very quick football, with few spaces.”