Ballon d'Or 2019: Top 10 Contenders for the Award at the start of May 2019

Modified May 03, 2019 03:35 GMT

The Ballon d'Or could be back in familiar hands this year

#7 Fabio Quagliarella (Italy, Sampdoria)

UC Sampdoria v Genoa CFC - Serie A

It is hard not to mention the veteran striker among the best players in the world this season. Fabio Quagliarella has never been a part of the 30 man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, but such has been his impact for Sampdoria this season that he has left the phenomenal Cristiano Ronaldo far behind in the race to the Serie A Golden Boot!

The Italian Striker has already scored 23 goals from 33 games in the Serie A this season. Quagliarella is a fantastic finisher and has a wise old head on his shoulders. His decision making and positioning has been superb this season and as such, the Italian finds himself, deservedly, among the top contenders for the 2019 Ballon d'Or.

Quagliarella might be at the flag end of his career - he is, after all, 36 years old now - but on the field, he looks as lively as ever. He has been the pick of the strikers in the Serie A and has outperformed the likes of Immobile, Piatek, and Dries Mertens on the field. The Italian has also managed 8 assists in the Serie A.

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Edited by Mustafa Ismail