Lamine Yamal disagrees with Trent Alexander-Arnold after Jamie Carragher blast

Lamine Yamal’s words will be music to the ears of Barcelona and Spain supporters – and they are in contrast to those of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the past concerning the Ballon d’Or

Barcelona and Spain superstar Lamine Yamal is not yet concerning himself with the prospect of winning the Ballon d’Or as he attempts to lead his national team to more success. The teenager is in Germany for the semi-finals of the Nations League as Spain look to add another title to the Euro 2024 victory they record last year.

Luis de la Fuente will have to lead his team past France, and a contender for the label of best player in the world in Ousmane Dembele, before potentially facing off against Germany or Portugal in the final. And the Spanish boss will be pleased his young starlet’s aspirations are centred on team trophies rather than individual accolades.

The 17-year-old racked up 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 appearances as Barcelona won La Liga and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. And Yamal is already thinking about winning the latter competition and the World Cup next year.

“I don’t think about the Ballon d’Or; I think you’ll end up badly if you only think about that,” he said. “I think about winning.

“Imagine if I win the World Cup and the UCL next year, then the Ballon d’Or will come by itself. But the most important thing is to enjoy football.”

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Asked about a potential battle between himself and Paris Saint-Germain ace Dembele, Yamal refused to add too much fuel to the hype behind their meeting. “I am confident that we [Spain] will win on Thursday, but whether we win or not, I would still vote for the best player in the world,” Yamal told COPE.

“If Thursday doesn’t go the way I want or Dembele wants, then what? You’re voting for someone else who plays on Sunday?

“I’m the kind of person who votes for the best player over the whole year. But if people want to risk it all on one game, well… we can play that game then.”

Yamal’s approach to the Ballon d’Or is somewhat in contrast to that of a new La Liga rival. Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Barcelona rivals Real Madrid at the start of the window, and has previously suggested he’d like to win the accolade over earning Champions League glory.

It is a moment that irked some Liverpool supporters and club legend Jamie Carragher. The former defender said on Sky Sports : “Trent was asked whether he’d want to win the Champions League or the Ballon D’or and he said Ballon D’Or – even if he thinks that, it’s not the right answer for a local player at Liverpool.

“The club has to come first. That showed Liverpool supporters he’s not a player who thinks about the club more than himself. He’s a brand. He’s an amazing footballer and that’s why Real Madrid want him.”

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