Barcelona icon tells Lamine Yamal what he needs to do to win Ballon d’Or – ‘Just like Ronaldo and Messi’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo encouraged Lamine Yamal to continue improving his game in order to one day claim the Ballon d’Or.

The young forward came close this Monday, finishing second in the vote that crowned Ousmane Dembele as the best player of last season.

And Rivaldo, who won the award in 1999, has now advised Lamine on what he must do in order to secure the trophy.

More goals and assists the key

According to the Barcelona and Brazil icon, the 18-year-old wonderkid can get his hands on the Golden Orb as early as next year, if he increases his output in front of goal and his ability to set up teammates.

“I think Lamine has everything it takes to win the Ballon d’Or next year, and I think he’ll stand out even more this season than last,” acknowledged Rivaldo.

“But, given the way he plays, I think he’ll win the Ballon d’Or when he scores lots of goals and provides lots of assists. Not just for how he plays. Just like Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi,” he added.

Disappointment with Raphinha’s fifth-place finish

Rivaldo admitted he was surprised that his compatriot was not ranked higher in the vote, as he finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

“I was saddened that Raphinha came fifth, given everything he did. It wasn’t easy. Of those top five players, he scored the most goals and was the top scorer in the Champions League…,” he said.

“He should have been in a better position or even won the Ballon d’Or himself,” he added.

Barcelona’s delegation at the Ballon d’Or gala. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

The Brazil legend believes both Lamine and Raphinha were harmed by not playing in the UEFA Champions League final.

“What happened in the match against Inter, when they were eliminated from the Champions League and didn’t make it to the final, was what hurt both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha so much,” he explained.

“If they had reached the Champions League final, Barça had everything it took to be champions, and as champions, they would surely have stood out.

“But since that didn’t happen, Dembele won the award. And I’m not taking anything away from him, because he stood out a lot,” he added.

Surprise over Pedri ending up outside Top 10

Among his personal preferences, Rivaldo would also have ranked Pedri, who finished 11th, higher.

“I was very surprised that he wasn’t at least in the top 10,” he admitted.

“He has to keep working as he has been doing so that one day he can become number one and win this award which, although it is very controversial, every player wants to win. It’s normal because everyone thinks differently, everyone has their favourite.”

Source: SPORT