Alexis Sanchez wasn’t nominated for the Ballon d’Or, but the likes of Philippe Coutinho were.
For some bizarre reason, Alexis’ outstanding individual season last year wasn’t enough to earn him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
The Chilean scored 30 goals, assisted 19, helped Arsenal win the FA Cup and scored important goals for Chile as well.
Despite that, France Football didn’t find him worthy enough to be on their 30-man shortlist.
Philippe Coutinho, who scored 14 goals and assisted nine, had a good season and shone for Brazil, but didn’t have as good a season as Alexis did. Yet, he made the list.
The omission has left Arsenal fans perplexed, reports the Mirror.
I’m genuinely confused as to how players like Dzeko & Coutinho get Ballon d’Or nominations over Alexis Sanchez after the season he had…
— MG (@BulletHeader12) October 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/gullyguyami/status/917450714674286592
As if Alexis isn't even in the long list for the balon d'or. 50 g/a in 55 games. How can you justify having Coutinho/Oblak/Hummels over him?
— GR (@GeorgeRobbins10) October 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/TheyCallMeSubs/status/917652210976264192
https://twitter.com/GoonerJared/status/917451889364566016
No Arsenal player has even won the Ballon d’Or. Thierry Henry was the closest, ranking second in 2003 behind Juventus’ Pavel Nedved.
Realistically, nobody other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who won La Liga and Champions League double with Real Madrid, or Lionel Messi, who had yet another outstanding season, are going to win it this time around.
Still, it would have been nice to see an Arsenal player rewarded for the fine season he had. When you consider that only a point separated Arsenal and Liverpool last season, it’s crazy that they have two players on the list while we have zero.