Barcelona legend Carles Puyol insisted that the current team star Gerard Pique is a better defender than him.
Carles Puyol was considered as one of the best defenders during his time at Barcelona.
Puyol, who was also the captain of Barcelona for a long time, led the side to multiple league titles and European honours in his career.
The Spaniard now believes that his former teammate and current Barca centre-back Gerard Pique is a better defender than he was.
He listed down the Barca centre-back’s qualities and called him the best defender in the world at the moment.
Carles Puyol on Gerard Pique:
During an appearance at Heineken’s UEFA Champions League trophy tour, the Spanish legend talked to Marca where he addressed multiple issues.
He was asked about the best defender in the world, where the interviewer mentioned names of Matthijs de Ligt (as an emerging defender) and Virgil van Dijk (due to his performances for Liverpool and the Netherlands).
However, Carles Puyol had only one name on his mind.
“Gerard Pique, without a doubt,” Puyol said. When asked about choosing a better defender between Pique and his Spanish teammate and Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos, Puyol repeated the Barca defender’s name.
The interviewer then asked if Gerard Pique was even better than him, to which Puyol agreed.
“Yes, he’s the best central defender in the world,” Puyol said.
“We’re different. He is key to Barcelona in everything he contributes, in his leadership. He’s a phenomenon and a great friend.”
The former Barcelona captain also asked about Arthur, stating that it would be too early to compare the player to Xavi.
“He can be [the heir to Xavi]. He’s only 22 years old and he’s demonstrating a huge personality and similar qualities, but to compare him with Xavi is a huge statement.
“We’re talking about one of the best midfielders in history. You have to take things step by step, let Arthur work and congratulate him on how he is playing. He should look to Xavi, watch videos of his games and learn from him.”
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What next?
Gerard Pique and Barcelona return to action on March 30 as the side takes on Espanyol.
