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While a poll conducted over the summer here at CHN determined his goal to be fourth best on the season compared to his teammates, Hatem Ben Arfa an his mazey run-and-strike v. Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup will represent the Toon quite capably in vying for this award in which he will rub shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao and Neymar. If you need a reminder of the particular brand of magic that HBA was wielding that particular night, here it is:
The voting is to be carried out on fifa.com and will close on November 29, so in the spirit of Tammany Hall politics: Vote early and vote often! The three top finalists will be selected at the close of voting on that day and the award will be given on January 7th at the Ballon d'Or banquet.
If you are unfamiliar with Ferenc Puskás, it would be time well spent for you to take about a half-hour and watch this:
Indeed- if you look at one of Puskás' most celebrated goals (from the 6-3 Hungarian victory over England), Hatem's goal makes for a rather nice homage to the Hungarian legend.