The end of 2013 is approaching quickly and the announcement of the Ballon d'Or candidates will inevitably follow. In previous installments, Latinos Post has taken a look at which stars are locks and which players from the Premier and Spanish League have chances at the individual honor.
The German league is the next logical step as it includes a plethora of superstars that are likely to join the shortlist.
While there is strong competition throughout the Bundesliga, few would look beyond the top two sides for star power. Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have the players that have had the most impact in the last year and are among the top choices.
Bayern Munich
The team won the treble last season, has gotten off to a monstrous start and is bound to have a few Ballon d'Or nominees. Franck Ribery has already been discussed due to his UEFA Player of the Year award, but a few of his teammates are sure to get nominated and recognized as well.
Arjen Robben should be on the final short-list. Not only did he score the game-winner in the Champions League final, but he is easily the most dynamic player on the field for the club (aside from Ribery of course). He only has two goals this season in the Bundesliga, but his performance in the Champions League has been admirable thus far.
Manuel Neuer is arguably the best goalie in the world at the moment and will likely get a nomination as a result of his spectacular 2012-13 season and the start of 2013-14; he was nominated in 2012 despite being on a losing Munich side and failing to lead Germany to the final of the Euro Cup 2012.
Another player that could figure into the final voting is Thomas Muller. It is hard to believe that he is only 24 years old, but Muller was a vital piece of Munich's Championship side. He scored 13 goals and added 11 assists throughout 2012-13 and scored a few goals in the key matchup against Barcelona in the semifinals. He has also been solid for Germany with two goals in two qualifying matches this fall.
Other contenders from Munich include Bastian Schweinsteiger and Captain Phillip Lahm. Both had terrific years for club and country and will likely join the aforementioned stars on the final list.
Borussia Dortmund
Robert Lewandowski may have been at the center of controversy all summer, but there is no denying that he delivers when called upon. The Polish striker scored 24 goals in the Bundesliga last season and had 10 tallies in the Champions League. This season he already has six goals in just eight matches for his club and has helped them to the top of the German League standings.
German midfielder Marco Reus may also have a crack at Ballon d'Or finish, but he is a longer shot than his Polish teammate.
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