Zidane zaps talk of Cristiano crisis

MADRID - Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insisted Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the 2017 Ballon d'Or despite the Portuguese superstar's faltering start to the La Liga season.

Ronaldo missed Real's first four La Liga games through suspension, but has managed just one goal in the past five and was again ineffectual in front of goal as Madrid eased past Eibar 3-0 on Sunday.

"He is the best by a long way," said Zidane when asked if Ronaldo was the best player of his generation.