Over the last few years, two of the top three contenders for the Ballon d'Or have been a given. And this year looks to be no different. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are likely to be two of the three finalists.

However, the big variation every year has revolved around the third contestant. In 2010 and 2011, it was Xavi; in 2012, it was Andres Iniesta; and in 2013 it was Franck Ribery. Xavi is not among the 23 finalists, and Iniesta was a surprise pick that will probably not go further. Ribery is not even among the 23 finalists.

Thus, for the fourth straight year, there will be another new nominee among the final three.

Angel di Maria could be the favorite to claim that spot. Could he be a finalist? And could he pull off a win?

Top Moment

Di Maria had arguably his finest year to date in 2014. He led Real Madrid to two titles and was a catalyst on Argentina's run to the World Cup final. And despite a tough summer transfer from Spain, he has been arguably the best player in the Premier League in 2014-15.

So what was di Maria's defining moment in 2014?

That, without a doubt, would be the Champions League final in Lisbon last May.

Di Maria was the man of the match after a tremendous display against Atletico Madrid. While other major players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, were incessantly stifled throughout the game, di Maria constantly found a way to lead the team offensively. He had two key passes, had the second most touches in the game and eventually set up the second goal of the game for his club by turning Juanfran inside out and firing a shot that was too hot to handle for goalie Thibaut Courtois.

It was a crowning moment for a player that had found himself on the bench early on and was eventually forced to adapt his play to a new position. He thrived and was a major reason Madrid won the Champions League title.

If that is not enough, here is an added bonus: Di Maria has three goals and four assists for Manchester United in just eight appearances; he had four goals for Madrid in 34 Spanish League appearances last season.

Low Point

There are two. The first would be the World Cup final in which he was forced to sit out and watch his team lose against Germany. Had he played, di Maria would probably have had a massive impact on the game.

But the big low point was the fallout with Real Madrid. He was a catalyst in the team's tremendous 2013-14 season. But he was relegated to the bench after the team's summer transfers and was forced to leave. There is no certainty regarding whether he forced the move or not, but his relationship with the club did not end well.

Why He Will Win

He has been the Premier League's best player and has helped jumpstart a mediocre Manchester United team. He also picked up two trophies with Real Madrid and had a solid World Cup.

Why He Will Not Win

Ronaldo also won the two trophies, and Messi also made it all the way to the World Cup final. Di Maria is playing well for United, but the team as a whole is inconsistent. He is not scoring at the rate Ronaldo is scoring, and his side is not winning the way Real Madrid is, either.

Predictions

He finishes in the top 10, for sure, but could even finish in the top five. The top three is a bit of a long shot, considering Thomas Mueller and Arjen Robben's positions, but crazier things have happened.

FOR MORE SOCCER NEWS, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE

Want to read about the other Ballon d'Or Candidates? Follow our series!

Karim Benzema

Gareth Bale

Diego Costa

Thibaut Courtois

Cristiano Ronaldo

Angel Di Maria

Mario Goetze