Capello: Falcao reminds me of Messi

Russia coach Fabio Capello says Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has left a similar first impression on him than that of Lionel Messi.

The 26-year-old has been in sublime form in the opening weeks of the 2012/13 campaign, netting hat-tricks against Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea, and his good performances have earned him positive words from the former England boss.

“Throughout my entire career, there has been only one player who impressed me as much as Messi when I first saw him against my Juventus at the Joan Gamper trophy, and that is Radamel Falcao,” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He is a fantastic striker, without a doubt the best around at the moment.”

Falcao has been linked with clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester City in recent weeks, but is under contract with Atletico until June 2016.