French Ballon d'Or winner: 'Benzema isn't even dangerous'

"I would have signed a number nine, but that's my point of view. I think Madrid needed to strengthen this position. The perfect example for me is Benzema. He used to score a lot of goals and now he doesn't get any. He isn't even dangerous, that's the weirdest thing", exclaimed Papin, in an interview with 'AS'. 

He has picked a favourite for the huge upcoming Champions League clash: "PSG are slight favourites, because they're a team that isn't doubtful of themselves, they're winning almost all of their games, and are almost champions of the French league. But I am wary of Madrid. PSG should be too; as much as they have a slight advantage, they are facing a team that won the last two Champions Leagues."

Is Ronaldo in decline? "He's 33 years old, I don't believe he's in decline, but there are players around him who are changing... Benzema not scoring and Cristiano having more difficulties are two factors that show that Madrid aren't in the best shape" he analysed. 

He also talked about Neymar, and his arrival in Paris. "I see him being able to be even stronger than last year, but it has never been easy for him to play against Real Madrid. I am really looking forward to seeing him in these two meetings", added the French star. 

Papin even compared Neymar with another Brazillian genius: "When you love football, you need this type of player. He reminds me a bit of Ronaldinho. He's the type of player that we like to watch playing, he's decisive, he makes people dream." compared Papin. 

Finally, he ended by saying that he sees the Brazillian fighting with Ronaldo and Messi for the Ballon d'Or. "He has the ability to do it, that's for sure. It depends on what Messi and Ronaldo do. As always, whoever wins the Champions League with their team will not be far from winning the Ballon d'Or", he concluded.