Madrid, Oct 28: Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has said star Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo deserves World Footballer of the Year award for what he has done in 2016.

"I know how it works, but above all what I've seen throughout the year. It is always the same. Cristiano has set his standards so high that whenever he doesn't score it is a problem. But it's quite the opposite," Zidane said, according to Efe. [La Liga 2016/17: Schedule of game week 10]

"What he did 2016 is there for all to see, not just as an individual but for the team. He knows that what he is doing is down to his own work and the work of those around him. He clearly deserves the Ballon d'Or," he added.

Zidane, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, defended the winning attitude that Cristiano has on the pitch, justifying the gestures of anxiety that appeared in recent games when he failed to score.

"He may be frustrated, that's normal, but he's not worried. He wants to score goals and that is normal. Cristiano Ronaldo is unique because of what he is doing," he said.

"He has set his standards so high that if he doesn't score a goal. But these are things that he has to live with, he is phenomenal."

IANS