Messi ‘not among Buffon’s best’

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has named the five best goalscorers he has faced – and not included Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Messi only broke his duck against Buffon earlier in the season, despite his record-breaking statistics in front of goal, and the Italy veteran seemingly ignored the No 10 when discussing his most prolific opponents, instead focusing his praise on Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

“Harry is now one of the best strikers in Europe – there is no question about that,” he told The Mirror.

“As a player, you can always work on parts of your game and try to improve – but there are some things you can’t teach.

“That natural goalscoring instinct is for me a talent that you are born with. I have seen over the years with Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Inzaghi, Batistuta, they have that natural instinct that can really make goalkeepers suffer – and it’s clear Kane also has that.

“Always in my ­career I have wanted to test myself against the best – and now Harry Kane is one of the best. I have always had the attitude that I don’t fear the best – I respect them – and I always want to play against them. 

“That is one of the greatest ­challenges of playing at the highest level, to test yourself against the best players – that is always something I have enjoyed.”

Tags Cristiano Ronaldo Gianluigi Buffon Harry Kane Juventus Lionel Messi Tottenham Hotspur
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