Lionel Messi could drop deep and play Xavi's role at Barcelona in future, says Pep Guardiola's former assistant Domenec Torrent.
Xavi left Barca for Qatari side Al Sadd in 2015 and since his departure, Messi has become more of a midfielder and forward rolled into one.
"He's a very intelligent player," Torrent told Ole. "Often, he drops deep to receive the ball. In a few years, he could play like Xavi if he wanted to. He doesn't lose the ball, he gives assists, he has taken care of his body throughout his career...
"If he plays in a deeper position when he logically starts losing pace, he could play as a central midfielder or wherever he wants to and he would do well."
And Torrent, who was part of Guardiola's coaching staff at Barca, then his assistant at Bayern Munich and later for two seasons at Manchester City, hailed the Argentine as a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
"For me, Leo is incomparable," he said. "I don't think I'll see anything like him again in my life. Furthermore, he has been at a high level for 15 years.
"On a day when he's not sharp, he's still the best. A poor game for Leo is two assists and a couple of moves leading to goals.
"I have seen enormous footballers, but nobody who has stayed in the elite for 15 years as he has done."
