Roberto Martinez Calls Nuno Mendes The Best Left-Back He’s Ever Seen In Ballon D’Or Support

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Roberto Martinez has praised Nuno Mendes as the finest left-back he has ever witnessed, suggesting the Portuguese player deserves the Ballon d'Or after a remarkable season. Mendes was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain's historic treble, which included their inaugural Champions League victory. The 22-year-old also contributed significantly to Portugal's triumph over Spain in the Nations League, scoring during regular play and in the penalty shootout.

National team manager Martinez expressed admiration for Mendes' performances this season, describing him as exceptional. "I used to think that the perfect player didn't exist, but Nuno is very close to that," Martinez told TNT Sports. "For me, Nuno Mendes is the best left-back I've ever seen. He can play out wide or inside. He's very fast and has great passing ability."

Mendes' versatility and speed have set him apart from others in his position. His ability to play both wide and inside makes him a valuable asset on the field. Alongside Vitinha, Mendes stands out not only at club level but also in terms of his overall profile.

Mendes played 16 Champions League matches last season, logging 1,449 minutes—the third-highest among players. His stats support Martinez's high praise: he led in duels won (119), ranked second in tackles (30), and shared second place for interceptions (23). Only Achraf Hakimi surpassed Mendes with nine direct goal contributions as a defender.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Mendes contributed offensively with five assists and one goal during Portugal's Nations League campaign. Only Joshua Kimmich provided more assists with six. This blend of defensive solidity and attacking contribution highlights his all-around capabilities.

Upcoming Challenges for PSG

Mendes' former club Sporting Lisbon laid the foundation for his current success. Now at PSG, he has a chance to add another trophy to his collection as they gear up for the Club World Cup. Their journey begins on June 15 against Atletico Madrid.

The accolades and statistics underscore why Martinez believes Mendes is deserving of top honours like the Ballon d'Or. His consistent performances have not only helped his teams achieve success but also cemented his reputation as one of football's elite defenders.