Former Barcelona midfielder Andrea Orlandi believes Brighton winger Ansu Fati still has a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or in the near future, despite his struggles in recent seasons.
Fati recently joined Brighton from Barcelona on loan.
Orlandi also feels the Spaniard will thrive under Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
“It was a shock for people in Spain to see him leave for Brighton, but mainly because people over here don’t or didn’t know what Brighton are doing,” Orlani said on Brighton’s website.
“They’ve got to grips with the club and the decision because Brighton are playing some of the best football in Europe.”
He added: “Roberto De Zerbi is one of the brightest coaches at the moment. He loves to nurture young and talented players, and I am sure that he is going to get the best out of Ansu to take him back to the level he was at—a top player and a potential Ballon d’Or winner. People were shocked, but not anymore.”