Marc Wilmots has singled out Bundesliga winner and World Champion goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as his favourite to pick up the Ballon d'or despite being joined in the final three by none other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who've picked up the award six times between them.
"I initially voted for Arjen Robben, Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois, so for me it's Neuer," Wilmots said in an interview with Fifa.com.
"He's the complete goalkeeper and, as far as I'm concerned, the best in the world. He had a perfect season, nearly won everything, and he's consistent while making lots of progress."
"In addition to what he did with Bayern, he led Germany to the world title. So I think that, over the past year, we should reward a player who stopped goals, rather than the usual choice of going for players who scored them."
Wilmots did admit that he was impressed by the achievements of Ronaldo and Messi, but that fans have grown used to their exceptional displays on the pitch.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest professionals on the planet, and he puts away 40 goals every season. The problem is that you almost grow used to it," he added.
"Messi had a more difficult year due to injuries, although he still reached the World Cup Final. You get the feeling that they've been on a whole different planet for several years."
"But, that said, Manuel Neuer also has a superb track record in terms of statistics."
If Neuer was to win the award he would become only the second goalkeeper, after Lev Yashin, to pick up the award.