Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben believes the battle for the 2014 Ballon d'Or will be decided between the two "monsters" Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Robben, 30, has been in impressive form for both Bayern and Netherlands over the past year, playing a key role in his club's domestic Double success last term, as well as his nation's third-placed finish at the summer's World Cup.
Despite such achievements, though, Robben feels that he stands little chance of claiming the Ballon d'Or when the winner is announced on Jan. 12, 2015.
"Cristiano and Lionel are two monsters," Robben told France Football in quotes reported by Munchener Merkur. "What they've been doing for six years now is unmatched. They are superior to everyone else."
The accolade, in its current guise, has been presented to the best player in the world since 2010. Messi was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2010, 2011, and 2012, while Ronaldo -- the runner-up in 2011 and 2012 -- came out on top in 2013.
While Robben believes he stands little chance of taking home the award this year, he says he is honoured to have made FIFA's 23-man shortlist.
"The recognition is nice and I am proud to be on the list, but I have never been obsessed about it. That's just an individual accolade. And for me, only trophies with the team count," he said.
Robben went on to praise Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, who he believes has improved him as a player since taking over at the club in 2013.
"He's a football madman. He'd be capable of calling you at three in the morning to chat tactics," he said. "He taught me how to position myself on the pitch, and how I can be even more dangerous with tactical moves. He really is the best on a tactical level."