“He has a lot to offer us” - Barcelona star explains why Lamine Yamal can win Ballon d’Or 

Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena has backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or award in the future. The Spanish forward won the Kopa Trophy earlier on Monday, which recognizes the best young player of the year.

Yamal was outstanding for the Catalans in the 2023-24 campaign, registering seven goals and nine assists from 50 games across competitions. Over the summer, he helped Spain win the Euro 2024 trophy, scoring one goal and setting up four more from seven games.

His efforts saw Yamal finish eighth in the final Ballon d'Or rankings, with Rodri winning the top prize.

Pena believes that his countryman can win the top prize eventually in the future. Speaking recently, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Pena added that Yamal has a lot to offer to Barcelona.

“We know that he makes a difference from the first training sessions we saw him in. He has something different, his way, his instinct. You can see that he can define matches, that he is a different player. The last European Championship recognised him as a ‘top’ player in the world. He has a lot to offer us,” said Pena.

The 17-year-old's contract with the Catalans expires in 2025 and he has already generated interest from clubs across the continent. It was previously reported that the LaLiga giants have rejected a colossal offer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for their prized asset.

Arsenal and Liverpool are apparently eyeing the player with interest, as well. However, it has also been reported that Barcelona are already working to tie the Spaniard down to a new deal until 2030 as soon as he turns 18 next year.

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How many goals has Lamine Yamal scored for Barcelona this season?

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal has hit a higher gear with Barcelona this season. The arrival of Hansi Flick over the summer has rejuvenated the Catalans' attack, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha enjoying a new lease of life.

The Polish striker has scored 17 goals and set up two more from 14 games this season for the LaLiga giants. Meanwhile, Flick's decision to move Raphinha to the left wing this season has proven to be a masterstroke. The Brazilian has registered 10 goals and nine assists from 14 games.

Meanwhile, Yamal has also benefitted from the German manager's attacking tactics. The Spaniard already has six goals and seven assists from 14 games across competitions for Barcelona so far, 13 of which have been starts. The Catalans are now leading the LaLiga title race after 11 games, six points ahead of Real Madrid.