Manchester City boss Pellegrini challenges Sergio Aguero to 'fight for the Ballon d'Or'

Manuel Pellegrini thinks Sergio Aguero is one of the very best footballers on the planet, and is urging the Argentine striker to take his place alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi this season.

The two La Liga stars have dominated the Ballon d'Or balloting over the last six seasons, but the Manchester City boss believes Aguero is more than capable of breaking the monotony. 

"Aguero is among the best players in the world. Now it is up to him to make it and fight for the Ballon d'Or as best player, because he has all the qualities you can ask of a football player," Pellegrini told the Daily Mail.

"He is technically very strong, he is fast and has a lot of power. He is very intelligent, able to play in his position in between midfield and attack.

"We hope we will see Sergio back in the form he demonstrated in the Premier League before his injuries hit him. I believe he will make a difference this season."

Aguero, who overcame a slew of injuries last season to finish with 28 goals in all competitions - including an incredible rate of one goal per 90 minutes that was the best among eligible players in the Premier League - has already found the net four times this year in seven matches (and only four starts).

Ronaldo and Messi are in a class all their own at the moment, but of the players with a realistic chance to insert themselves into the conversation, Aguero is certainly one of the top contenders.

All he has to do is stay healthy.