David Villa: Lionel Messi is good at every position, even goalkeeper! | OneFootball

Former Barcelona star David Villa claims Lionel Messi does not have a ‘best’ position on the pitch and would even excel if he was put between the sticks.

In an interview with BBC Sport, the now-retired striker claims he was mystified when he first joined Barcelona from Valencia in 2010 and saw Messi up close and personal, and pointed to one particular anecdote that he believes perfectly describes the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“I don’t know who said this but they said ‘Messi is Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi – and even Sergio Busquets if you want’,” Villa said.

“When I heard it, I thought, ‘That’s my thought as well’. If you ask me what’s his best position, I don’t know.

“He’s not a number nine but the top scorer. He’s not a number 10 but he’s the top assist provider. He’s not a tall guy but he scores headers – he’s good at everything.

“We were thinking sometimes he’s not shooting well with the right foot, then he scores amazing goals with the right foot. I think that he played as a keeper one time and he did well.

“That’s the reality of Messi. Everyone knows he’s a quiet guy. He’s very normal in the dressing room and on the field.”

During Villa’s three-year stint at Camp Nou, the World Cup-winner won an incredible eight titles including the 2011 Champions League crown.