Lionel Messi is having a stellar campaign as Barcelona look set to regain their La Liga title from rivals Real Madrid.
The Argentina international has looked back to his best this season, scoring 19 goals in 25 appearances already this term.
And former Barca captain Xavi thinks it is all thanks to new manager Ernesto Valverde who he believes has “revitalised” the Catalan side.
“Valverde? He believes in the Barca model 100 per cent,” he told Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.
“He’s revitalised their style. The positional game has regained importance and Messi is the one that causes chaos for their opponents.
“The wide players also have a bigger role to play as they attack the space now. There’s also Paulinho coming from behind…
“Messi? Leo can do whatever he wants.
“Look at how he always wins the ball when he goes to dispossess his opponent.
“He’s the total footballer, the best in history, a wonder.
“He was the perfect winger and now he does everything through the middle.
“The team look for him. He touches the ball more than ever. On top of all that, he’s a good guy.
“His behaviour on and off the pitch is exemplary.”
