> “I talked to Lamine, not after the awards but before. And before I left Barcelona, I told him I’ve played with some talented, talented players, but he’s above them all,” he said, per the _Manchester Evening News._
>
> “I’ve never seen a player at that age be as talented as what he is. So for me, I’ve never said this out to the media before, but for me, he’s the closest somebody can get to the level of Messi over the years.
>
> “It’s only my opinion, but I believe in this guy’s talent so much. So I texted him and just let him know, listen, he’s what, he has finished second, third, and third.
>
> “So he’s finished second place, third place, and eighth place so far. And at the age of what, 19? So we’ll see what he does, but if he goes on to win seven Ballons d’Or, I wouldn’t be surprised.”