Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reckons Bukayo Saka deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Harry Kane and Declan Rice when it comes to England's Ballon d'Or hopefuls.
The former Chelsea striker, who worked with the England coaching setup between 2023 and 2024, believes Saka has a genuine shot at claiming football's most prestigious individual honour.
It's worth remembering that no English player has lifted the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen took home the prize back in 2001.
That's a 25-year drought, but the brilliant form of Kane and Rice at club level has got people talking about whether 2026 could finally end the wait.
Bukayo Saka has eight goals and seven assists in 36 appearances this season
|REUTERS
Speaking on Monday's talkSPORT Breakfast, Hasselbaink was asked to pick between the two frontrunners for the award.
"I think Declan Rice has been more or less perfect, as perfect as he can be over the whole season," he said.
"But then, if you look at what Harry Kane is doing in Germany - it's just ridiculous. So, either one of the two is good for me."
Kane sits just behind Kylian Mbappe with most bookmakers after banging in an astonishing 45 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich this season.
Rice, meanwhile, has been instrumental in Arsenal's push for their first league title since 2004.
Harry Kane is currently racking up goals in the Bundesliga | GETTYWhen the conversation turned to England's starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup, Hasselbaink had no hesitation about who should occupy the right-wing position.
The Dutchman was emphatic that Saka is the obvious choice for that role with the Three Lions.
"You asked me that question earlier about Harry Kane and Rice - the Ballon d'Or," Hasselbaink explained.
"I think Saka would be very, very, close behind them, or in that same group. That's how much I think of him."
It's a glowing endorsement for the Arsenal winger, who has established himself as a regular starter for England across their last three major tournaments.
Saka's numbers this season haven't quite matched his previous campaigns, with eight goals and seven assists from 36 appearances for the Gunners.
Bukayo Saka has been backed to potentially win the Ballon d'Or this year
| PAThat's a noticeable drop from last term when he managed 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.
Still, the 24-year-old remains absolutely vital to an Arsenal side currently sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League as they chase a stunning Quadruple.
His value to the club has been recognised with a bumper new contract at the Emirates.
Saka will pocket more than £300,000 per week, making him Arsenal's highest-paid player ahead of Kai Havertz.