Atletico's Luis gives Ballon d'Or edge to Neymar over Griezmann

Don't count on Filipe Luis to endorse Atletico Madrid teammate Antoine Griezmann to win the Ballon d'Or award.

Last season's Spanish player of the year is expected to be in close contention with the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez of Barcelona, and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo for the honour of being named the world's best footballer.

Luis, however, is going with his country over his club as the Brazilian defender revealed that compatriot Neymar has a slight edge over Griezmann, and he's the Barcelona star's biggest supporter.

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"Neymar can fight to be the best (player) in the world," he told Javier G. Gomara of Esporte Interativo, as translated by ESPN FC's Samuel Marseden. "He's got the ability. He's unique when he dribbles, there's no other player in the world who can run with the ball like he does.

"He's so incisive, so direct, that he's just thinking about (scoring or making) goals, dribbling for goals. He's at such a high level. He makes the difference (in games).

"When I train and play with him (for Brazil) I see that he's an extraordinary player. I think he's surprised a lot of people.

"I'm Neymar's No. 1 fan. I would put him a small step ahead of Griezmann."

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Ultimately, according to Luis, both players have some ground to make in order to reach Messi's level.

"I think Messi is the best. Messi is unique, he's pure talent," he said. "Cristiano scores goals, moves well, is strong, quick, complete ... But Messi is the player you enjoy watching, he's a genius."

Griezmann and Neymar will look to win football's top individual honour for the first time in December, and end Messi's and Ronaldo's near 10-year reign as holders.