Lucho: Messi would be the best in the world in any position

Luis Enrique waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi after the star scored a hat-trick as Barcelona crushed Celtic 7-0 at Camp Nou on Tuesday night.

The Blaugrana man wears No 10 on his back but played in various positions as his side romped to victory, and the Asturian coach was asked about this.

He replied glowingly: “Messi plays with complete freedom to change his position as he wants. He’s the best in the world in every position. 

“If he plays as a No 9, a No 8 or a No 6, he’s the best No 9, No 8 or No 6 in the world. He can judge the perfect pass from 40 yards and put the ball wherever he wants. For me, he’s the best player of all time.”

The coach was also surprised about how quickly Samuel Umtiti has adapted to life at Barcelona and playing in a team like this.

“To be honest, yes, Umtiti’s adaption as surprised me a little because he has adapted really quickly to a position where the club has always had handicaps,” he explained. 

“It’s only four or five games, but he’s played completely adapted. We need to be careful to judge the new players, though.”