Ferran Torres: Pedri deserves the Ballon d'Or this season

With El Clasico fast approaching, Ferran Torres has thrown his full support behind teammate Pedri, declaring that the Barcelona midfielder “should be given the Ballon d’Or” for his performances this season.

Torres spoke to Mundo Deportivo ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes La Liga showdown, in which Barcelona could all but seal the title by extending their four-point lead over Real Madrid with just four games to go.

Reflecting on the team's Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan, Torres admitted the pain still lingers. “We had done the hardest thing, which was to come from behind,” he said. “But football is like this. We’re a young team, and I have no doubt we’ll prove in the future that we’ll have more chances.”

The 25-year-old forward chose not to comment on the controversial refereeing decisions in the tie, stating simply: “I would rather not talk about it.”

Torres also took the time to praise veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, calling him “one of the best, if not the best, strikers of the last 10 or 15 years.” He described himself as “a sponge” learning from the Polish star. “I ask him questions, he gives me advice, and from there I try to make the most of the minutes I have as a striker.”

But it was his words about Pedri that carried the most weight. “I am not surprised because I never had any doubts about him. He is special. What he is showing is beyond normal,” said Torres.

He went on to call for football’s top individual honour: “Ballon d'Or? Yes, for me, they should give it to him.” Torres believes the best of Pedri is still to come. “He is always there when he is needed. And I don't think we’ve seen his peak yet.”

Sunday’s clash at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys may not only define the La Liga title race, but also offer another big stage for Pedri—and Torres—to prove their worth.