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Dunga backs Neymar for Ballon d'Or

Brazil boss Dunga says that 'now is the time' for Barcelona attacker Neymar to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Brazil boss Dunga has claimed that Neymar deserves to win the 2015 Ballon d'Or ahead of Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo have been shortlisted for the award, which will be handed out on January 11 in Zurich.

Since 2007, Messi and Ronaldo have shared the prize, but Dunga has thrown his support behind Neymar, who played a key role in Barcelona's treble success last season.

"I voted Neymar. It's his time, but they're all on the same level. [Ronaldo] was fantastic last season, but he's not giving the same performances this season," Dunga told reporters.

"It's not that Ronaldo isn't playing well, but he isn't at the same level as last season. Messi was doing well until his injury, and Neymar is flying at the moment. He took the position of team leader [in Messi's absence]. I think it's his time."

The voting for the Ballon d'Or opened on October 26 and finished on November 20, during a period where Messi was on the sidelines and Neymar took centre stage for Barcelona.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
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2Barcelona37257577433482
3GironaGirona37246778463278
4Atletico MadridAtletico372341068432573
5Athletic Bilbao371811860372365
6Real Sociedad371612951371460
7Real BetisBetis37141494845356
8Villarreal371410136464052
9Valencia37139153843-548
10AlavesAlaves37129163545-1045
11Osasuna37128174455-1144
12Getafe371013144152-1143
13Sevilla371011164752-541
14Celta Vigo371010174455-1140
15Las PalmasLas Palmas37109183246-1439
16Rayo Vallecano37814152947-1838
17Mallorca37716143143-1237
RCadizCadiz37615162549-2433
RGranada3749243872-3421
RAlmeria37212233774-3718


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