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Real Madrid has lost its personality without Ramos - Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus has discussed Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos, David Alaba, Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski in statements recorded for #Vamos.
A Bayern Munich and Germany legend who won World Cup in 1990 and claimed the Ballon D’Or the same year, Lothar Matthäus is more than qualified to offer his opinion on the candidates for the prestigious France Football award and even more so when one of those candidates is a fellow hero of the Bavarian club like Robert Lewandowsi.
The 60-year-old former Germany captain believes Lewandowski deserves to win the award this year, ahead of other candidates such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi and Jorginho.
Matthäus on Lewandowski and Benzema
"I want [Lewandowski] to win the Ballon d'Or because he already deserved it last year. This year is closer, but he is my favorite,” Matthäus said in statements issued to Spanish broadcaster #Vamos ahead of the Bayern’s Bundesliga clash with Freiburg on Saturday.
“Benzema has had a great season, but he has not won any title. He was knocked out of the Euros with France and he hasn’t been champion with [Real] Madrid in Spain.”
Matthäus: Haaland would fit better at Real Madrid
The paths of Bayern and Madrid not only intersect in the battle between their respective stars in pursuit of the Ballon d'Or, but also in the battle to attain the services of Erling Haaland, a player that both teams want.
Matthäus can see Haaland becoming Lewwandowki’s successor at Bayern, but doesn't see them playing together, which is why he feels the Norwegian star would be better placed at Real Madrid.
"Haaland may end up at Bayern after Lewandowski, but not alongside Lewandowski. That would be a nice scenario, but it wouldn't work. Haaland and Mbappé would fit better at Real Madrid," said the 1990 World Cup winner.
Alaba not a leader like Ramos - Matthäus
Matthäus also gave his take on the current situation at Real Madrid following the departure of former captain Sergio Ramos this summer, claiming that the Spanish team has “lost its personality without Ramos”, despite the arrival of former Bayern defender David Alaba as a replacement for the 35-year-old.
"Real Madrid has lost its personality without Ramos. Alaba is a great player, but he does not have that personality. He is not a leader like Ramos," said Matthäus of Alaba, who arrived at the Bernabéu free of charge following the expiration of his Bayern contract in June.
Based on that argument, the former German midfielder ruled out Carlo Ancelotti's men as potential candidates for this year’s Champions League. "For me the favorites in the Champions League are Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern,” he said.