Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has tipped Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to claim this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Emery made his choice after Villa’s 2-1 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, highlighting the Georgian’s influence at both Napoli and the French champions.
“Kvaratskhelia is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or in my opinion. He is fantastic,” Emery said at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg.
“Of course, his impact was fantastic two years ago in Napoli and now at PSG. He was one of the best players that was not at the World Cup, and he is fit.
“The decision isn’t mine, but I think he can win this trophy,” Emery added.
Kvaratskhelia is expected to compete for the prestigious award against Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe.
