Five brilliant Ballon d’Or bets without Messi and Ronaldo

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Lewandowski has smashed records in 2015, equalling a historic haul of 13 in Euro qualifying for the White Eagles, who subsequently clinched an automatic spot in France.

Meanwhile, for Bayern, with whom the hitman lifted a Bundesliga title, the Polish predator also famously poached five goals in nine minutes, the quickest quintet in Europe since records began. A terrific tally of 16 in 12 for Munich is a stat to match Ronaldo and co, so back Lewandowski’s brilliance.

Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

Could 2015 be the year controversial Suarez’s skills finally won doubters over? Barcelona suits the silky striker to a tee, and the Uruguayan has been on his best behaviour since joining the Catalan giants.

With clubmate Neymar a little short at 6/4, Suarez is a better bet at 6/1, having been equally instrumental with his all-round play as well as goals and assists as Barca finished last term with a treble. Scoring in the Champions League final to turn the tie will have only helped his cause.

Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)

Last season saw the Italian giants come within touching distance of a treble, after making their first Champions League final for 12 years, though capturing a domestic double is nothing to be sniffed at. While, Chile also went on to tremendously win their first ever Copa America in summer. The common denominator here? Vidal (33/1) vigorously manning the engine room.

Related

Read more on Robert Lewandowski’s exploits in our archive

Keep up to date with the latest on Luis Suarez

Betting tip: Lewandowski’s recent goal glut make the Pole excellent value at 7/4