Barcelona new arrival Gabriel Jesus: ‘Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or’

Barcelona new arrival Gabriel Jesus: ‘Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or’ Gabriel Jesus signed for FC Barcelona this summer, arriving in a bargain deal from Arsenal to reinforce the centre-forward position. The Brazilian international’s signing came with some concern considering that he had not played much over the past couple of seasons due to an ACL injury. But things are going well for the 29-year-old attacker, who scored his first goal for Barça in the UEFA Champions League game against Feyenoord – with Lamine Yamal registering the assist. In a recent interview via SPORT , Jesus opened up on that special moment, and how it was a dream come true for him. “When I scored the goal, of course I remembered when I used to miss school to watch Barça’s Champions League matches,” the Brazilian said about his goal. “Before, I was at school. Now I’m at Barça scoring a goal in the Champions League. For me, scoring here was a dream.” Gabriel Jesus backs Lamine for the Ballon d’Or In the same interview, Jesus made his feelings clear about his new Barcelona teammate Lamine’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. With the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching, Lamine is among the leading contenders for the award. And Jesus has no hesitation when asked whether the Barcelona youngster deserves to win it. “Yes, definitely. Because of the football he has played and the season he has had, I think Lamine is there to win it,” he said. Jesus has backed Lamine for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The Brazilian has experienced elite football throughout his career, representing Palmeiras, Manchester City and Arsenal before finally achieving his ambition of playing for Barcelona. His experience has given him the chance to share dressing rooms and training pitches with some of the game’s biggest stars, but Lamine has already made a strong impression. “I’ve had the opportunity to train with great players and he is another one of the players I’ve trained and played with. He’s one of them,” the Brazilian remarked. Gabriel Jesus is particularly impressed by the ease with which Lamine plays. “Everything he does, he makes look easy. It seems very easy.” Jesus praises Raphinha Jesus also spoke about his fellow Brazilian in the Barcelona squad , Raphinha, saying: “Rapha is doing very well as a No.9. He has a lot of ability to play there, he’s showing it and he’s scoring goals, which is the most important thing. I also know the season is very long and I’ll have opportunities to play.” Jesus was also full of praise for Raphinha. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Jesus was also quick to point out that Raphinha’s performances have not surprised him. “It doesn’t surprise me. I was with Rapha when he was starting out with the national team and I already loved the way he finished, the way he struck the ball and his quality,” he added. “He has the ability to dribble and finish. I already knew that wherever you put him, as a striker, right winger, left winger or No.10, he would do very well.”