New Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said that Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, Barcelona’s attacking trident were “a huge factor in the intimidation of our rivals.”
“Messi is a unique player and wherever I play him he will flourish. He will continue in the role he has always had, he’ll continue to do that very well,” he said.
Over the last two seasons Valverde’s predecessor Luis Enrique had sometimes strained relations with Messi, who he pulled deeper and then pushed out to the right.
“We need him both as a creator of chances and a finisher of chances, where he really makes the difference,” insisted the former Athletic Bilbao coach.
“As for Neymar – he’s doing very well in his current role, although we know he too could play in other roles,” said Valverde of the 25-year-old Brazil captain.
