Magic man Mo has the X factor... & that's why he got my vote

AFTER the Champions League dismantling of Villarreal, Jurgen Klopp got a little exasperated when asked about the chances of Sadio Mane winning the Ballon d'Or.

- ANDY DUNN

Understandably so. Even though Klopp answered the question as fully as he could, a semi-final of European club football's blue riband competition was occupying most of his thoughts.

But individual awards do interest people, especially those who receive them.

The Ballon d'Or voting is some way down the line but, this morning, the Football Writers' Association will name its 75th Footballer of the Year, the first having been Stanley Matthews in 1948.

Voting closed at midnight on Wednesday, not long after Liverpool's latest win was sealed by a Mane goal, which was appropriate, as he must also be a strong contender for this accolade.

It is a tough one this season. On these pages, I have previously advocated the case for Trent Alexander-Arnold and for Mane.