Manchester City defender Yan Couto believes Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior will win the Ballon d'Or this year.

Couto stated that Vinicius is progressing in all respects.

Vinicius performed admirably at Real Madrid last season.

The Brazilian winger scored 24 goals and assisted 11 times in 39 games for Los Blancos in all competitions.

"I observe Viní's training with the national squad and am pleased with our progress. Watching a world-class winger, if not the best, then at least the second or third best. "He deserves the Ballon d'Or," Couto stated (via Madrid Zone).

"He is growing in all areas, scoring a lot of goals and providing assists. Since joining Real Madrid, he has made significant progress.