Aston Villa defender backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or: ‘It will be very soon’

Aston Villa defender backs Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or: ‘It will be very soon’ Barcelona had one of their most productive summer transfer windows in a while, with the financial leeway to spend significantly on reinforcements. The Catalan club signed Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Joao Cancelo and Rodri to bolster the squad at Hansi Flick’s disposal. Barça ‘s decision to bring in Rodri from Manchester City gave the team exactly the profile they were missing in midfield. That decision has now received a significant endorsement from someone who knows him well: Aston Villa star Pau Torres. Speaking to Diario AS , ahead of Aston Villa’s Champions League clash against Barcelona, Torres praised the Catalan club for signing his former Villarreal team-mate. Pau Torres believes Barcelona pulled off a masterstroke with Rodri Torres explained exactly why he thinks Barcelona pulled off a masterstroke by signing the 30-year-old Ballon d’Or winner. “Not only because they have him in their team, but also because they took him away from Madrid,” he explained. “I would sign him. He’s the best in the world in his position.” Pau Torres is set to face Barcelona this week. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Torres also revealed that he remains very close to Rodri despite their careers taking them down different paths. “He’s a very humble guy whom football hasn’t changed at all,” he said, explaining how Rodri once chose to sleep on a mattress in a friend’s university accommodation rather than book himself a luxury hotel. The defender confirmed that the two had spoken ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, although he made one thing clear: “During the match, there will be no friendship.” Pau Torres backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or glory Understandably, Torres also discussed the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane emerged as the winner. The Spaniard was asked about his national team-mate missing out , and he was bullish about Lamine’s chances in the coming years. “Kane’s numbers have been very good, but I wanted a Spaniard to win it, and I think he deserved it,” Torres said. “If it wasn’t this year, it will be very soon because Lamine is very close. I’m sure he will maintain his level or improve it.” Everyone believes Lamine Yamal is on course for a Ballon d’Or in the future. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Torres and Aston Villa know they will have to face Lamine Yamal on Tuesday and try to stop him at the Camp Nou . His praise for the Spanish teenager shows how highly Torres rates him, and Unai Emery will be wary of the threat. Lamine is just 19 and has his entire career ahead of him. If he continues growing and developing, it is only a matter of time before the Ballon d’Or eventually finds him. It remains to be seen how the Spaniard fares against Aston Villa and whether he can take his game to the next level this season.