Sergi Roberto, surprised by the quality and evolution of Lamine Yamal

Sergi Roberto returned to Barcelona to play the Joan Gamper Trophy with Como 1907. The Reus native received an ovation from those present when he was replaced by Máximo Perrone at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. On the other hand, the '8' of the Italian team left several praises to Lamine Yamal after the match.

Sergi spoke with 'TV3' about what it meant for him to face Barça, his assessment of the match and, of course, how he visualizes the new '10' of Barcelona. Although Como had a difficult day, conceding an incontestable 'manita' (5-0), the Catalan player was happy to return to the Ciudad Condal.

Sergi Roberto: "Seeing Lamine's evolution is incredible"

Sergi Roberto was 18 years at Barça, including his training stage and is a player who has seen several youth players who now play in the club grow as footballers. Referring to the player from Mataró, he remembered when he saw him training for the first time with just 15 years old and valued how he has improved course after course.

"Lamine's ceiling is the one he sets for himself, he is doing things very well and has an incredible projection for the age he is. I encourage him to continue with the same dynamic and I am sure he will do great things in this club", commented Roberto.

In addition, the Reus native got wet about Yamal's options to stay with the Ballon d'Or this year. "I don't know if he will win it or not, but I think everyone can see what player he is, I just hope he continues like this", added the 33-year-old footballer.

In that sense, he also acknowledged how difficult it is to defend against such an unbalancing player. Lamine scored a double against Como, with which he closed the preseason as Barça's Pichichi, with 4 goals.

"We already knew what he was like and we tried to put two players on him every time he had the ball. Álex Valle knows him perfectly and, even so, it is very difficult to defend him", argued the '8' of the Italian team.

Sergi Roberto, happy to return to Barcelona a year later

For Sergi Roberto this Joan Gamper Trophy was not just another match, it was facing the team that made him debut and grow as a professional footballer. That is why he did not hide his excitement when playing the summer tournament.

"From the moment I knew we were playing against Barça I was very excited, these are being very special days. Seeing former teammates, coaches and people who have been here all their lives again has made me very happy", said the Reus native.

The midfielder converted into full-back played 373 official matches with the first team of Barcelona, scoring 19 goals, in addition to giving 43 assists. In his record are 7 League titles, 6 Copa del Rey, 5 Spanish Super Cups, 1 European Super Cup, 2 Club World Cups and 2 Champions League, for a total of 23 official titles with the club.