Former Barcelona midfielder Jose Mari Bakero says Lionel Messi is still the world’s best player despite some indifferent recent form.
The 51-year-old, who spent nine years with the Catalans between 1988 and 1997, also has total confidence that Luis Enrique’s project at the club will eventually be a success.
“Messi is still the best player in the world but he’s only human,” said Bakero in an interview with Venezuelan newspaper El Universal.
“Many teams now have Barca’s measure tactically, so he has to play further away from the area.
“Also, he is getting older and although he is still young, there are players like Neymar and Luis Suarez now in the side. Luis Enrique’s biggest challenge is to get the best out of such a powerful threesome.
“Barca started the season well but now there are some doubts beginning to creep in. That’s normal, however, because of the change in Coach and many changes to the way of playing after a difficult season.
“They are still searching for their identity although I think Luis Enrique will be able to find it soon,” he explained.
