Giovanni van Bronckhorst tips Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or after Barcelona defeat

Giovanni van Bronckhorst described Barcelona as “the best team in the world currently” after Feyenoord were beaten 5-1 at Camp Nou in their opening Champions League match, and backed teenage forward Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or.

The Feyenoord manager did not attempt to explain away the heavy defeat or hide behind the scoreline, instead acknowledging the significant gap between the two sides.

“If you watch the way they play, you will realise that Barcelona are the best team in the world currently,” said Van Bronckhorst at his post-match news conference.

Barcelona’s early goal changed the contest, according to the Dutchman, although he insisted Feyenoord had not travelled to Spain simply to defend.

“We did not come here just to defend,” he said. “We had chances and tried to score, but mistakes against a team of this quality are extremely costly.”

Van Bronckhorst accepted that his side had plenty to improve, but said the experience could provide valuable lessons despite the difference in performance levels.

“There is a lot that needs to improve. You can learn a lot from your opponent, despite the big difference in level between us,” he said.

The result also led the Feyenoord manager to identify Barcelona as serious contenders for European success this season.

“Barcelona are capable of winning the Champions League,” he added.

The match had particular significance for Van Bronckhorst, who returned to the club where he played during his career. He said he was determined to focus on the game but was pleased to see familiar faces at Camp Nou.

“I was focused on the match, and I knew some of the people I greeted. I have very good memories of this club,” he said.

Van Bronckhorst also thanked Barcelona manager Hansi Flick for his positive assessment of Feyenoord’s display, despite the one-sided result.

“It was very nice of Flick to say that he admired us, that we pressed strongly and that we did not just sit back and defend,” said the Feyenoord boss.

The strongest praise, however, was reserved for Yamal, whose performance added to the excitement surrounding the young Barcelona forward.

Van Bronckhorst believes Yamal already has the ability to compete for football’s biggest individual honour and compared his influence with that of two of Barcelona’s greatest former players.

“At such a young age, he has already achieved everything. The fans adore him, he can win the Ballon d’Or, and I see him like Messi and Ronaldinho,” he said.

Barcelona’s five-goal victory gave Van Bronckhorst a difficult return to his former club, but his assessment afterwards was unequivocal: the Catalan side set the standard on the night, while Yamal strengthened his growing reputation as one of the game’s leading young talents.