Rio Ferdinand has backed Real Madrid to retain this year's Champions League as he eyes a sensational year for Cole Palmer.
The former Manchester United defender was asked about his predictions for the next 12 months and believes Los Blancos will repeat their 2024 success and win another European crown. Despite losing three times in the Champions League this year, they still look set to progress.
With Kylian Mbappé adding more quality, the Spanish giants will have to take a break in the knockout stages, where things often click. Ferdinand believes, despite the rivalry he had with them as a player, Liverpool will win a second Premier League crown.
The Reds look good at the top of the top flight and boast an eight-point lead with games in hand. Mohamed Salah is once again their main man and continues to break records. The Egyptian's future remains unclear, but Ferdinand has backed him to win the Ballon d'Or, which would make him the second African player to lift the award.
Despite Manchester City's problems this season, Ferdinand believes Erling Haaland will score the Golden Boot again. That would make him the third player to win three on the bounce – following Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.
The Norwegian is nowhere near as productive as in recent years; he has scored just three times in his last ten appearances. However, he has started the year in sensational form and has 14 goals to his name, three of which came from Salah, who is currently setting the pace.
Nottingham Forest are flying high and are currently in the top four after fending off relegation last season. Nuno Espirito Santo, after an indifferent and short spell at Tottenham, is showing what an operator he is at the City Ground. Ferdinand is backing him to be named the best manager of the year, along with Arne Slot, currently his only competition.
Palmer's Chelsea looked like they could mount a title challenge but have since faded after a difficult festive period. The former City playmaker has continued to excel following his move to Stamford Bridge and Ferdinand believes individual honors are coming his way.
Not only is he backing him to win the Player of the Year award, he also believes the 22-year-old will lift the Young Player of the Year award. Over the past twenty years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are the only men to both land in the same year.
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