At the heart of an FC Barcelona which finds colors under Hansi Flick, two attackers particularly electrify crowds: the Lamine Yamal phenomenon and the decisive Raphinha.
Their performances, their statistics and their ability to switch the matches fuel the discussions: which of the two has the most impactful season? Which one could claim the highest individual awards? While Blaugrana supporters debate, an opinion was particularly expected: that of Pedri, the master to play the team, recently described as “Best in the world at its post” by his coach. Questioned by TV3, the young midfielder (22 years old) did not elude the question of the Ballon d'Or and his teammates.
Pedri, altruistic in the field and outside.
So, rather Yamal or Raphinha in the race for the Supreme Trophy? Pedri's response has something to surprise and confuse those waiting for a decided choice. In reality, the Spanish international did not designate a favorite between his two partners. Questioned about his own ambitions for the Ballon d'Or, he first said that this trophy was “Far from his thoughts”.
Then he added: “I would prefer to see Lamine Yamal or Raphinha win it: they have the figures and make the difference. »» Rather than choosing one against the other, Pedri therefore named the two as players he would like to see rewarded … in his place!
Pedri and the Ballon d'Or: a question of priorities
This declaration highlights the philosophy of the young prodigy. He also justified his position by stressing that the Ballon d'Or often rewarded pure statistics (“Unless you are an exception like Rodri …”) and that he was personally more “Happy if we win titles” collectively. After having known praise and then the criticisms of his supposed fragility, Pedri seems today focused on the essentials: finding the pleasure of playing – which he is currently doing – and contributing to the successes of the team, far from the race for personal distinctions.
If the title could suggest an arbitration between Yamal and Raphinha, Pedri above all expressed his own vision of football and his current priorities. Its media outing, while highlighting its two teammates, subtly relaunches the debate on the criteria for allocating the Ballon d'Or. One thing is certain: for Pedri, success will go through the Barcelona collective before any individual consideration.
