5 players who deserved to be on the FIFA Ballon d’Or shortlist

#1 Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

The often controversial star has enjoyed a faultless 2015

Quite frankly, it could have quite easily been a 1-2-3 finish for Barcelona’s formidable front trio. Had Luis Suarez joined teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar on the three-man shortlist, nobody could have argued.

A few eyebrows were raised when Barcelona forked our £70m for the former Liverpool man, mainly due to the suspension being served following the famous bite at World Cup 2014. After making a forgettable appearance in the Clasico, it took the Uruguayan a little while to get into the swing on things. Once he did, there was no looking back.

Suarez was instrumental during Barcelona’s incredible treble-winning season, with his infectious pressing and explosiveness in the final third helping Blaugrana at the most crucial moments. This was highlighted to perfection when the 28-year-old hit Barca’s decisive second goal against Juventus in the Champions League final.

The Uruguayan has followed that up in 2015/16 with a return of 18 goals in 20 matches thus far. Most impressively, though, his partnership with Neymar helped the Camp Nou giants get through Messi’s two-month absence unscathed.

He might be the least marketable face out of Barcelona’s tremendous trio, but his importance to the team is just as strong. Despite being absent from this summer’s Copa America, he could have oh so easily completed the perfect Blaugrana podium.