Feyenoord manager compares Lamine Yamal to Messi and Ronaldinho after Barcelona defeat: ‘He can win Ballon d’Or’

Feyenoord manager compares Lamine Yamal to Messi and Ronaldinho after Barcelona defeat: ‘He can win Ballon d’Or’ Giovanni van Bronckhorst had little difficulty identifying the difference between Barcelona and Feyenoord after his side s uffered a heavy 5-1 defeat in their Champions League opener. The Dutch side was thoroughly beaten at Spotify Camp Nou, with Van Bronckhorst refusing to look for excuses after a night that exposed the gap in quality between the two teams. “If you see how they play, Barça is the best team in the world right now,” Van Bronckhorst asserted. Despite the scoreline, the Feyenoord manager defended his players’ approach.  He insisted they had not travelled to Barcelona simply to defend and absorb pressure, although Barça’s early goal changed the dynamic of the contest. “We had chances. We tried to score,” he explained. Van Bronckhorst accepted that Feyenoord had been punished for mistakes while facing a side capable of making the most of any opening. “There are many things to improve on. You pay for your mistakes.  “You can learn a lot from the opposition, even though we are very different teams. There is a difference in quality.” Van Bronckhorst backs Barcelona to win UCL Van Bronckhorst talked about the difference is quality between Feyenoord and Barcelona. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) While Feyenoord’s result was painful, Van Bronckhorst’s assessment of Barcelona was emphatic.  The former Barça player believes Hansi Flick’s team has what it takes to go all the way in Europe. “Barça can win this Champions League.” That verdict came after Barcelona produced another five-goal performance, continuing a strong attacking start to the season.  Flick’s side combined intensity with quality in possession, while Feyenoord struggled to cope with the pace and movement in the final third. The evening also carried personal significance for Van Bronckhorst, who returned to a stadium where he spent part of his playing career.  “I was focused on the match; I recognised some people, whom I greeted. I have very fond memories of this club,” he explained. Van Bronckhorst puts Yamal alongside Messi and Ronaldinho Lamine Yamal was another major talking point after Barcelona’s convincing victory.  Van Bronckhorst was particularly impressed by the teenager’s development and refused to place a ceiling on what he can achieve. Van Bronckhorst has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “At his age, he’s won everything. The fans love him. He could win the Ballon d’Or. I see him as being on a par with Messi and Ronaldinho,” he said. The comparison is striking given the stature of the two Barcelona icons mentioned by the Feyenoord manager.  Yamal is still early in his senior career, but his influence has already grown considerably, including his role as one of Barça’s leaders. Van Bronckhorst believes the Ballon d’Or could eventually belong to the young forward. “He can win it. The question is when.” The Feyenoord boss also appreciated Flick’s recognition of his team’s effort.  Although Barcelona controlled the match and ran out comfortable winners, Flick had acknowledged the visitors’ willingness to press rather than retreat into a deep defensive block. “It’s very kind of Flick to say that he liked what he saw from us, that we pressed hard and that we didn’t just sit back and defend,” he noted. Source: Mundo Deportivo