Sami Khedira, the German international, was a key player in the midfield for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho.
As a player, he was more destructive than constructive. Despite that, his experience as an important player for Real Madrid and the German national team makes him a valid analyst of current events.
The Ballon D'Or Won by Rodri
In an interview with the newspaper Marca, he agreed with the Ballon d'Or awarded to Spaniard Rodri:
"What a great debate... I was a midfielder and I love Rodri's soccer. When we see how Manchester City is today without Rodrigo, we realize how important he is."
"During the Euro Cup, I attended four matches at the stadium and I realize how he manages everything. He organizes all the players on the field and makes them play. It's amazing."
He also commented on the big loser in the Ballon d'Or voting: Vinícius Junior. Khedira compares Vinícius's current situation to what Cristiano Ronaldo experienced during his time as a Real Madrid player.
"Vinícius's Attitude Sometimes..."
"Vinicius deserves it too. Vini changes the course of things. When the team doesn't know what to do, they give him the ball and he solves the problem.
"But I have to add one thing: his attitude sometimes... many times he seems pissed off. Cristiano was a bit like that when he was young, but he quickly changed."
"Vinícius Must Change like Cristiano Ronaldo Did"
That's Khedira's advice to Vinícius. He must change, like Cristiano Ronaldo did, to earn everyone's respect.
Vinícius closes many of the doors he opens with his talent, which ends up punishing him. Many of the voters end up disliking him and then he pays for it.
Since these are subjective awards, it's not enough for Vinícius to prove he's the best on the field. He needs to win over the jury with exemplary behavior. Cristiano Ronaldo did it, so why can't Vinícius?
Khedira doesn't miss the fact that Vinícius is the best player on the planet and he needs to balance that with his behavior.