Friday, March 29, 2024

Valverde: We´re lucky to have world´s best Messi

SoccerNews in La Liga 29 Oct 2017

607 Views

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde praised the “incredible” Lionel Messi after the star forward helped his side to a hard-fought win at Athletic Bilbao.

Messi struck in the 36th minute before Paulinho sealed a tough 2-0 win for Barca, who were tested at San Mames on Saturday.

The Argentina international had released Jordi Alba down the left before getting on the end of a return pass to net his 12th LaLiga goal of the campaign.

Valverde was again full of praise for the 30-year-old, who has 16 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions this season.

“Messi could have scored another goal if the post hadn’t got in the way, but he’s incredible,” he said.

“He can make the difference at any moment. It was a spectacular goal.

“We’re so lucky that the best player in the world plays for us.”

Barca are four points clear atop LaLiga after winning nine of their opening 10 games, conceding just three goals.

Valverde was relieved to come away with three points against a club he played for and coached.

“It is important to win difficult games. Athletic caused us lots of difficulties,” he said.

“They raised the intensity and the ball spent more time closer to our goal than we got it to theirs. But we have shown why our defensive record is so good.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top