5 Questionable Ballon d'Or contenders in 2018

#1 Karim Benzema

Benzema remains an underrated player, however, he is not among the best players in the world

Despite what many football fans believe, Karim Benzema is an excellent footballer who quietly contributes to the success of the Madrid team. His intelligent off-the-ball movement and link up play with teammates has been a vital part of Real Madrid's recent European dominance, and his style of play has been lauded by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite his unselfish play style, the Frenchman is not among the world's best players. While he creates space for Madrid's other attacking players, he does not score anywhere near enough goals to be considered for Europe's top individual prize.

The 30-year-old has managed just seven league goals in 2018, a number that is blown away by La Liga's top players such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Benzema's biggest strength as a footballer is his ability to make those around him better, however, to name him among 2018's best players is a serious error.