Ernesto Valverde: 'Messi approaches perfection"

2019 comes to an end and amidst all the success, a few names spring to mind. The first, of course, is none other than Leo Messi who scored a total of 50 goals in the calendar year, claimed his sixth Ballon d'Or and his sixth Golden Shoe. A player from another galaxy coached by Ernesto Valverde who sat down with the Club's official media to look back over the last 12 months in an exclusive interview in which he also touches on the figures of Luis Suárez, Dembélé, the new signings this season and the youngster Carles Pérez and Ansu Fati. 

New arrivals 

“They have adapted gradually to the team and they will find their place in the team and help us achieve our goals. We hope that the efforts of the Club to bring them in bear fruit." 

"Antoine Griezmann is not just a goalscorer but also a hard worker. He knows how to drop into midfield and he knows the moment in which he has to help the full back. We are very happy with him." 

“Frenkie de Jong covers a lot of ground and he is playing well. However, he still has more to give, especially inside the opponents' box." 

“Neto and Junior are performing as expected. When Junior has come in for Jordi Alba, he has done it well and he is more and more involved. As for Neto, he is always ready to come in and he is a very competitive player." 

Messi

“Leo is such an obvious talent. It's difficult to find something else to say that has not been said. Every day, in all aspects of the game, he approaches perfection." 

Suárez

“He is so insistent. When a striker misses, that's a good sign as it means he is always close to goal. Instinct always wins out." 

Dembélé

“His latest injury has been cruel because he was mentally right to work hard. He is a player with so much quality that you want to see him out on the field. Right now, he is working hard on his recovery and we want to see him back, we see a lot of quality in him." 

Carles Pérez and Ansu Fati

“Their breakthrough is great news for the Club. They are players not just for the present at the Club but also the present."