Neymar's time has come to win the Ballon d'Or...

 

The Barcelona forward, who helped his side win the treble last term, has made the final three-man shortlist and has netted 16 goals in 18 appearances for the Catalan giants so far this season.

And, with Ronaldo failing to find his usual consistency and Messi struggling with injuries, Dunga believes his captain is deserving of football's greatest individual prize.

'I voted for Neymar,' the 52-year-old told newspaper Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte.

'Cristiano Ronaldo last year was fantastic, he had a fabulous season, because Real Madrid were in great form. It's not that he is not playing well now, but he's not on the same level as last year.

'Messi was doing well, but he got injured. Neymar is flying at the moment, taking on a leadership role in the team. I believe his time has come.'

Ronaldo and Messi have exclusively tussled for the crown on a regular basis and shared the prestigious award between them every year since AC Milan's Kaka won it in 2007.

However, with Neymar threatening to break the mould, it will make for intriguing viewing when the winner is announced in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 11.

(dailymail.co.uk)