The best in the world.

Former Ireland and Leinster outhalf Ian Madigan reckons his former teammate Johnny Sexton is the lead candidate to be crowned this year’s World Rugby Player of the Year.

Sexton has had an incredible season, scoring the all-important drop goal against France in the Six Nations that ultimately secured Ireland the Grand Slam, before playing a pivotal role in Leinster’s PRO14 and Champions Cup triumphs.

Speaking on Independent.ie podcast, The Left Wing, Madigan says he would be “shocked” if Sexton does not win the prestigious award for the first time.

“I think if Johnny doesn’t get World Player of the Year this year, I’d be shocked,” Madigan told The Left Wing

“He stands alone on it, won everything he could this year, he’s been phenomenal,”

Presenter, and fellow former Ireland and Leinster player Luke Fitzgerald agreed, noting the competition is pretty slim this year.

“Especially when the other guys have been a bit injury interrupted, you’d always make the case for Beauden Barrett, he’s just unbelievably good, or Kieran Read, but he’s been injured as well, so if there’s ever a time for someone to win it, it’s probably this year for Johnny.”

Fitzgerald further added that he believes Sexton, Tadhg Furlong and Cian Healy are currently the best in their world in their respective positions.

“At the moment I think all those three guys get into a World XV, because you could make a case for putting maybe Beauden Barrett at fullback.”

“Very close call between Johnny (and Barrett), they’re very different players, but I don’t know who’s better than Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong.”