Udinese striker Gerard Deulofeu predicted Alejandro Grimaldo would finish on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist just a few days before seeing his compatriot provide his 18th assist this season in a match against Roma.
Grimaldo was once again among the best players on the pitch for Bayer Leverkusen in a 2-0 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals.
The Spaniard provided the 18th assist across all competitions this season, inspiring Florian Wirtz’s opener in the first half.
His compatriot Deulofeu, a striker for Serie A side Udinese, was impressed by Grimaldo’s performance and Rome and praised him on X, formerly Twitter.
Deulofeu reveals what he told Grimaldo before Roma vs. Bayer Leverkusen
The Spanish striker mentioned a Fabrizio Romano post revealing what he had told the Bayer Leverkusen star only a few days before the Roma match.
“I told him a few days ago. At least best 30-man Ballon D’or nominees,” wrote the ex-Milan, Everton and Barcelona winger on X.
Deulofeu has been out of action since January 2023 with a knee injury and has yet to return to action.