Eric Garcia confident of Champions League success, backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘I see him winning it’

Eric Garcia confident of Champions League success, backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘I see him winning it’ Eric Garcia is a part of the large Barcelona contingent that will be involved with the Spain national team for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against England, the Barcelona defender offered his take on Lamine Yamal’s bid for the Ballon d’Or as well as Barcelona’s Champions League hopes, among other things. Garcia backs Lamine for the Ballon d’Or First and foremost, the defender was firmly in favour of his Barcelona teammate claiming the Ballon d’Or, though he was happy to see it stay in Spanish hands. “I see Lamine Yamal winning the Ballon d’Or. Him or any other Spanish player. All of them deserve it,” he said (h/t SPORT ). Garcia believes Yamal can win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Pressed further on whether Lamine should be the one to lift the trophy, Garcia was unequivocal. “ Yes, I think he’s the one who should win it,” he added. In recent times, Yamal has received the backing from multiple personalities while the player himself has made his case for the award . Garcia also touched on the ongoing refereeing debate that has dominated headlines in Spain, especially after the Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid match. “I’d rather not speak on the referees. I think that all of them try to do their job in the best possible way,” he said. “It’s like us players too. We try our best but sometimes we make mistakes. We’re human. Error is part of football,” he added. Confident of Champions League success Garcia was also bullish about Barcelona’s prospects in the Champions League, expressing his belief that the squad has what it takes to go far. “Looking at the lineup, the players, the quality, and the ambition, I’m confident that we’ll end up amongst the top of the Champions League . Eric Garcia was part of Spain’s World Cup team. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) “We have a very strong desire to win the Champions League. We’re a more mature team ,” he said. On Barcelona’s domestic position, the defender urged caution despite their strong start, adding that the lead can always quickly evaporate. “We know that in football, dynamics can change at any moment. Right now we’re 6 points clear, but last season Madrid were 7 points clear after the first Clasico,” Garcia noted. “We have to keep going the same way. We can’t lose focus. The league rewards consistency.” Finally, Garcia was asked about wearing a protective mask that he is wearing after yet another nasal fracture. He had to wear one last season as well. “It’s uncomfortable to play with a mask, but unfortunately I’ve gotten pretty used to it,” he concluded.