Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol believes Gerard Pique is the best defender in the world and better than he ever was.
Now aged 40, Puyol retired in 2014 having made 593 first-team appearances for the Catalan giants and winning 100 caps for the Spanish national team.
“Gerard Pique is the best central defender in the world without a doubt,” Puyol told Marca.
“He is the best central defender in the world and he is better than I was, although we are different players of course.
“He is vital to Barcelona and offers them so much not just in his ability but also his leadership skills, he is a phenomenal player and a close friend of mine.
“Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona? Yes he is the right man, it’s a hugely demanding club but he is doing a fantastic job.
“Luis Enrique at Spain? They are very lucky to have such a talented Coach – someone who I learned a lot from and would love to have worked with.”
