Lion King

Barca old boy hails impact of Leo - and Pep

Last updated: 7th October 2008

Lionel Messi Atletico celeb

Messi: inspired Atletico rout

He can improve as a team player; helping his team-mates defend but individually, he's the best.

Albert Ferrer
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It was billed as a battle between two Argentine compatriots but there was no doubt about the outcome after Barcelona's 6-1 thrashing of Atletico Madrid.

While highly-touted Sergio 'Kun' Aguero barely got a sniff at Camp Nou - and found himself watching most of the second half from the substitutes' bench - an inspirational Lionel Messi curled in a free-kick, as well as earning the penalty that Samuel Eto'o duly converted.

And a purring Albert Ferrer, who spent eight seasons at Barca, told Revista de la Liga that the diminutive winger is the finest player to grace the current game.

"I would say [Messi's] the best in the world," Ferrer told Revista.

"That's a difficult thing to say but he's grown very quickly. He only really started featuring two years ago but now the guy is unbelievable; he can do anything.

"He can improve as a team player; helping his team-mates defend but individually, he's the best."

Pep-ped up

Following a stuttering start to this domestic campaign, Barcelona have taken maximum points from their last four league fixtures, notching 17 goals in the process.

And after a disappointing third-place finish under Frank Rijkaard last term, Ferrer believes new coach Pep Guardiola has got the Blaugrana back playing the Cruyff brand of 'total football'.

"He has changed everything," Ferrer said of Guardiola's stewardship.

"He's changed things not just football-wise but in the dressing room, too. He's brought in his own staff so he's surrounded by people he likes to work with.

"It wasn't difficult to improve on last season but I still think he's doing a fantastic job.

"He's crazy for football - he could spend all day watching videos of the games!

"He's is getting 100 per cent out of the players; we're seeing much improved performances from those who weren't playing well last season."