Harry Kane has been leading the race for much of the summer, but in recent weeks it’s Lamine Yamal who has stepped into the reckoning as favourite to win this year’s award.
The Barcelona teenager was a La Liga winner last season and then in the summer captured the World Cup with Spain, credentials that many believe could land him the vote.
One man who’s in no doubt that he deserves the accolade is teammate and fellow Ballon d’Or nominee Pau Cubarsi, who has been championing Yamal’s case ahead of Barca’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
“Everyone in the world already knows that he is the best in the world,” he told Marca.
“Although he says it, people also see it on the field. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
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Yamal had been on a one-man campaign over the international break, proclaiming how much he deserves the Ballon d’Or in a series of interviews, and Cubarsi acknowledged his countrymen’s efforts ahead of his own credentials for winning football’s top individual prize.
“I could also be around there because of the World Cup and the season, but I am going more calmly and he is more media-focused.”
Before either man can focus on the awards on October 26th, they first have a European date to concern themselves with and the competition’s perennial cauldron in Istanbul.
Cubaris is aware of what awaits him and the Catalans in Turkey, but is confident the unbeaten side will be able to navigate the difficulties.
Adding, “We know their offensive and defensive qualities.
“We know the field we are coming to and the atmosphere that is created. You have to be attentive to the small details.
“This stadium, everyone knows the pressure that is felt. Pedri already played here and he has told me that it is a field that presses and is complicated.
“It will be difficult to get the victory, but we are looking forward to giving a good level and being concentrated.”
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