David Silva warns Real Madrid over Barcelona lead and backs Fabian Ruiz for Ballon d’Or
David Silva has warned Real Madrid that Barcelona’s six-point lead could prove decisive if Hansi Flick’s side sustain their current standard through the La Liga run-in. The former Manchester City midfielder also backed Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz for the Ballon d’Or, arguing that the Spain international’s recent success for club and country has not received sufficient recognition.
Why Barcelona’s lead has raised the stakes
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| La Liga gap | Barcelona lead Real Madrid by six points |
| El Clasico | October 25 |
| Ballon d’Or ceremony | London, October 26 |
| Silva’s Ballon d’Or choice | Fabian Ruiz |
The October 25 Clasico carries obvious importance for both clubs, with Real Madrid needing to cut into Barcelona’s advantage while the leaders have the opportunity to strengthen their position.
Silva believes Barcelona have combined strong performances under Flick with effective work in the transfer market. In his view, Madrid would have little chance of recovering the deficit if the Catalan side continue to play at their present level.
“If Barca keep going this way, it is impossible,” Silva said. “They are performing at a very high level, have played very well with Flick and have strengthened the squad well. At that level, they will not have a rival.”
He nevertheless stressed that Madrid’s record and quality mean they cannot be ruled out. Silva said the champions have outstanding players and could still challenge if they remain within reach late in the campaign, even if Barcelona’s form makes that task difficult.
Silva backs Ruiz for individual recognition
Silva’s preference for the Ballon d’Or is Ruiz rather than more widely discussed contenders such as Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane. His argument is based chiefly on collective achievement, with Ruiz having accumulated major honours across the past two seasons.
The PSG midfielder won Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League last season, then lifted the World Cup with Spain in the summer before adding the UEFA Super Cup with his club. Silva said Ruiz has been an influential figure for both PSG and the national team despite receiving less attention than other leading players.
“The team comes first, because without that you cannot win,” Silva said. “But if I had to choose one player, I would pick Fabian because he has won the most over the last two years.”
Silva added that Ruiz has done “incredible work” without attracting the credit he deserves, describing him as a player he greatly admires. He also pointed to Spain’s current strength, noting that Rodri would have been among his choices had he not already won the award.
Questions still to be settled
Barcelona’s ability to preserve their level, and Real Madrid’s response in El Clasico, will shape the title race. The Ballon d’Or outcome will be decided in London the following day, with Silva’s support placing Ruiz among the players he believes should lead Spain’s current generation into the awards conversation.
