Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde claims Lionel Messi ignores the ball at the start of matches for incredible reason

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde claims Lionel Messi ignores the ball at the start of matches for incredible reason
Ernesto Valverde has revealed just what makes Lionel Messi the best player in the world.Although he inexplicably finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, the Barcelona captain is enjoying a spectacular season at the Camp Nou.2

Lionel Messi does not focus on the ball at all at the start of the game

In 33 games this season, the 31-year-old has 33 goals as well as 15 assists.Ahead of the El Clasico clash at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening, coach Valverde has revealed the Argentina international completely ignores the ball at the start of the game and instead targets the opposition.“Messi reserves the first minutes of each match for interpretation,” Valverde told the Financial Times.“During that time, he ignores the ball and takes a walk around the opposition defence, fixing each mans position in his head.2

Valvrede sounded in awe of the Argentine

Then, as the game advances, he gets in little by little. But by now he knows perfectly where the rivals weaknesses are.”In the same fixture last season, walked for 83% of the Clasico and ran only 4.95%.However, he managed to create nine chances, score a goal and provide an assist.

---

Barcelona 3-0 Man Utd: Unstoppable Lionel Messi DUMPS Man Utd out of Champions League LIONEL MESSI delivered another masterclass as Barcelona ended Manchester United's hopes of another improbable
Barcelona in pole position as Man Utd fail to shine at home

---

Sir Kenny Dalglish has heaped praise on Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson and claimed few are better than the Scot in his position. The full-back moved to Jurgen Klopp's side for just £8million from Hull in 2017 and has been a permanent fixture on the left flank for the Reds ever since.
Sir Kenny Dalglish heaps praise on Andrew Robertson and says
hollywoodadviser.com/sir-kenny-dalglish-heaps-praise-on-andrew-robertson-and-says-few-are-better-than-the-scot-in-his-position/
'role model' The Liverpool full-back committed his long-term future to the Reds by signing a new five year deal at Anfield last week Sir Kenny Dalglish has heaped praise on Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson and claimed few are better than the Scot in his position.
'There are few, If Any, Better Than him' - Sir Kenny Dalglish

---

Keep up to date with the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service. Text NEWS to 07776197989 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as spurs dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Alasdair Gold on the team on Spurs.
Tottenham transfer news: Vincent Janssen could join Real

---

Breaking news headlines about Man Utd Transfer News & Rumours, linking to 1,000s of sources around the world, on NewsNow: the one-stop shop for breaking news
NewsNow: Manchester United News, Man Utd Transfer News

---

Gary Rowett has been sacked by Championship side Stoke City after less than eight months in charge. Rowett, 44, was appointed in May following the club's relegation from the Premier League. The
Gary Rowett sacked: Stoke City axe manager after just eight

---

Arsenal are in talks to sign Christopher Nkunku on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Nkunku, 21, has made 13 appearances for the reigning Ligue 1 champions but only five of those have come as a starer.
Arsenal contact Paris Saint-Germain over Nkunku loan move

---

West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic is on his way to becoming the new Paolo Di Canio after coming back to haunt former club Stoke. West Ham beat Stoke 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon
~ How Anerlisa Muigai's 31st birthday party went down

---

Peter Crouch has slammed Arsenal's transfer policy and said the Gunners will struggle to replace Aaron Ramsey in the summer. The north London club decided not to offer the Welshman a new
Peter Crouch slams Arsenal's transfer policy - See Naija Blog

---

Sunderland AFC transfer news: Youngster linked with Scottish switch after leaving Stadium of Light Lewis Morgan enjoyed a half-season stint on loan with the Black Cats last season, as the
Sunderland AFC news and transfers RECAP - Black Cats 'in

---

Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils launch world

---

Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd double raid, Hazard to Real Madrid close, Liverpool, Arsenal TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - Updates from Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea ahead of the
Transfer news live: Chelsea's Hudson-Odoi - football.london

---

This week David Beckham unveiled his new-look crest for fledgeling MLS team Miami CF, Crystal Palace striker Wilfred Zaha puts his hand in his pocket to help some teammates in need and we talk to the people behind Bands FC, a new project that combines the worlds of music and football with awesome results.
The Times & The Sunday Times

---

Manchester United will get the chance to see summer target and Portugal ace Bruno Fernandes in action this week. The talented 24-year-old midfielder is attracting the eye of United and several other Premier League sides with rumours he could be heading to England this summer in a deal worth over £60m.
Bruno Fernandes transfer news: Sporting star talks up

---

The latest on Daniel Sturridge's betting charge as Liverpool striker's Football Association deadline passes. The 29-year-old stands accused of alleged breaches of the FA's betting rules during
Daniel Sturridge in betting storm: FA charge Liverpool striker

---