James Rodriguez: Cristiano Ronaldo should win '99%' of Ballon d'Or votes

James Rodriguez has told Marca that Real Madrid teammate
Cristiano Ronaldo should win "99 percent" of the votes for the
2014 Ballon d'Or award.
Ronaldo, 29, has been shortlisted with Barcelona forward
Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer
for FIFA's top individual accolade.
The Portuguese forward has won the award on two
occasions, including last year's prize, and James is certain that
Ronaldo should collect the Ballon d'Or for a second year
running.
"It's an award all players dream of, but the Ballon d'Or is
Cristiano's right now," he said. "He'll win it again this year
because he deserves it, simple as that.
"He should win with 99 percent of the votes. As our coach
[Carlo Ancelotti] said, there is a huge gulf between Cristiano
and all the rest right now."
Ronaldo's treble against Celta on Saturday saw him break the
record for most La Liga hat tricks, and James says the 29-
year-old's work ethic sets him apart from his rivals for the
award.
"His quality speaks for itself," he continued. "He works very
hard to be what he is: the best in the world."
Colombia international James has been involved in more
defensive work at Real than in his previous role at Monaco,
but the 23-year-old says Ancelotti's tactical demands are the
secret to Los Blancos' current 18-game winning streak.
"I have to do what the team needs at different times, I know
that," he said. "That means taking an active role in all aspects
of the game, not only in attacking play. Helping the team is the
priority.
"Ancelotti is a great coach and we talk often. He has taught
me a lot these past few months. I'm working hard to keep
learning from him. We are all really happy to be working
with Carlo.
"He asks much more of everyone defensively speaking. That's
the key to Real's current good form."