'I'm 69 and I've seen many players, but Messi is something else', says former Real Madrid boss

What's the story?

Former Real Madrid coach John Toshack has heaped praise on Barcelona captain Lionel Messi, stating that the Argentine is "something else" compared to players like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In case you didn't know...

Toshack was in charge of Real Madrid in 1989, helping the side to their fifth consecutive La Liga title with a record total of points at the time. However, he was unable to replicate the same in his subsequent season, leading to his ultimate sacking.

Years later, the Welshman returned to the Bernabeu after a spell with Turkish side Besiktas but was sacked ten months later after he refused to take back criticism he made of his players in a press conference.

The 69-year-old has also managed his national team twice, with his second spell lasting for six years.

The heart of the matter

While giving Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo his due, Toshack has maintained that modern football stars such as PSG forward Neymar simply cannot be compared to Messi.

Speaking to Radio Marca, the former Wales boss said, "You have to talk about great players and then Messi as he looks like a PlayStation player. I'm 69 and I've seen many players, but he is something else.

"There are things about Neymar that I don't like, and when I see Messi and there is nothing that I don't like. Neymar can't be compared to Messi and there is no doubt about [Cristiano Ronaldo] as he is fantastic," said Toshack.

Toshack also expressed his concern with compatriot and Los Blancos forward Gareth Bale saying, "He made his debut with me at Wales at the age of 17 and he is a great, extraordinary player, but he has some bad components in his game and it is no coincidence that he got the kind of injuries he has had. When you go to a country to work, you must learn the language to make it easier, but he hasn't done himself a favour in this regard."

What's next?

Real Madrid managed to hold Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in their El Clasico clash in the Copa del Rey last night. The European champions are set to make good use of the home advantage when they face the Catalans once again in the second leg of the competition on February 28.

Also see : Barcelona Transfer News, Real Madrid Transfer News, La Liga Transfer News