Raul to fight it out with Owen

Real Madrid sports director Jorge Valdano has stated that the race for the Golden Ball trophy is between Michael Owen and Raul Gonzalez.

Valdano told local television station Telemadrid on Sunday evening that hot-shot Owen will be Raul's only rival for the annual award organised by French publication, France Football.

Valdano said: "Politically it would be better for an English player to win and that's what worries me. I would discount Totti because even though we suffered against him in the Champions League, he hasn't excelled at international level. It'll be decided between Raul and Owen".

Raul is one of four Real Madrid players going for the prestigious award that was picked up by Luis Figo last December.