Nuno Mendes backed Paris Saint-Germain teammate Ousmane Dembélé for this yr’s Ballon d’Or after saying he “cancelled out” Lamine Yamal throughout Portugal’s UEFA Nations League remaining win in opposition to Spain.
A 5-3 penalty shootout win, following a 2-2 attract Munich, sealed victory for Portugal and a tearful Cristiano Ronaldo, who had earlier limped out of the sport because of harm.
Mendes was named Participant of the Match after an excellent recreation for Roberto Martinez’s staff during which he scored his staff’s opening aim earlier than dominating in his one-on-one conflict with teenage star Yamal.
And when requested about his function in Portugal’s win, Mendes admitted he had received his duel in opposition to Yamal earlier than tipping Dembele to pip the Barcelona teenager to the Ballon d’Or.
“It was a conflict [with Yamal] like many others I’ve had through the season,” Mendes mentioned. “I’ve confronted as much as many nice gamers, very technically expert gamers who could make a distinction, however as we speak I cancelled out Lamine and [did] not let him do what he does finest.
“This helped the staff and I’m glad I helped the staff to win this trophy. It is all about being constant. I’ve performed many good video games and it is in regards to the work I do individually and with the coaches at PSG and Portugal.
“The Ballon d’Or? I play with Ousmane [Dembele] and he had an exquisite season, Lamine additionally had an exquisite season. However Ousmane will probably be within the Membership World Cup and Lamine will not, so I am very glad for Ousmane.
“He had numerous accidents at Barca earlier than arriving at PSG, however he’s a tremendous participant. I like him very a lot as a participant and a person.
“I want him the very best for the Ballon d’Or and I and his teammates will assist him get there.”
Mendes, in the meantime, paid tribute to Ronaldo after the 40-year-old scored the second equalising aim on the best way to Portugal’s Nations League triumph. The previous Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus ahead is predicted to stay with Saudi Pro League staff Al Nassr forward of subsequent yr’s World Cup, however regardless of his age, Mendes mentioned Portugal nonetheless want Ronaldo.
“We’re very glad for Cristiano to win one other title,” Mendes mentioned. “He helps us on the pitch and he additionally helps us off the pitch with a number of recommendation for all of the gamers, together with myself.
“We’d like him within the group. He has an important angle and profitable mentality. He’s a task mannequin for the staff and the group.”