“Lamine is a differential player” - Barcelona star back Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or in future

Barcelona star Inigo Martinez has backed young star Lamine Yamal to win a Ballon d'Or title in the future. The 33-year-old called his countryman a differential player and stated that he is a fundamental part of the Catalans' squad.

After coming up through the ranks in Barca's famed academy, La Masia, Yamal made his senior debut in April 2023. Since then, he has grown in confidence and stature, and is currently regarded as one of the best prospects in world football.

He has bagged 13 goals and 16 assists for Barcelona in 65 appearances. He also announced himself on the global stage in Spain's triumph at EURO 2024, with his solitary goal and four assists in seven games, earning him the Young Player of the Tournament award.

In a recent interview with SPORT, Martinez was asked for his views on the 17-year-old talent. He said (via Barca Universal):

"Lamine is a differential player, a player you rarely see and having him with us is a joy. He is not shaky, he has pace, he generates chances and scores important goals."

"For us, he is a fundamental player, he still has a long way to go and we hope he continues to improve and that one day we can see him lift a Ballon d'Or," Martinez added.

Lamine Yamal has had a flying start to the 2024-25 campaign with six goals and seven assists in 14 appearances thus far. Up next, he will be seen in action in Barcelona's LaLiga clash against local rival Espanyol on November 3.

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Inigo Martinez opens up on his relationship with other youngsters in Barcelona squad

With a bunch of talented youngsters surrounding him, Inigo Martinez is one of the more experienced heads in the Barcelona dressing room. While the 33-year-old centre-back acts as a mentor to all of them, he has a special connection with a few of them.

Speaking about his defensive partner, 17-year-old phenom Pau Cubarsi, in a recent interview with SPORT, Martinez stated (via Barca Universal):

"You could see it from the first game. Although he could not be in the preseason, he is a player who likes to learn, attends and has many years ahead of him, many beautiful experiences and I hope we both continue to enjoy."

Martinez then talked about 20-year-old midfielder Gavi, who has already suffered extended spells on the sidelines due to injury. Talking about the passionate midfielder, the former Athletic Club man said (via Barca Universal):

"It is true that I lived it very close because I had to be with him at the time of the injury and I know how much it mattered to Gavi to be out for so long."

"He is a player who only wants to play, and enjoy the ball and that moment was very difficult for him and seeing him back, not only for me, but for all the spectators and teammates, was an immense joy," Martinez added.

Gavi has played just 15 minutes of football this season since his return (three appearances). On the other hand, Cubarsi has started all but one of Barcelona's games thus far, helping his side keep five clean sheets in his 14 appearances.