Sofiane Boufal has discussed what it was like to pip Lionel Messi to the most completed dribbles in Europe’s top five leagues last season. 

Speaking to The Daily Echo, the Moroccan spoke about his encounter with the Barcelona star in La Liga during his loan spell at Celta Vigo. 

Boufal stated his belief that Messi is the greatest player of all time, and was happy to have beaten the Argentina star in one statistical chart, at least.

However, the winger was quick to insist that his full focus is on turning his mazy dribbles into goal involvements, as he looks to kick on following a strong start to the season. 

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He said:

I played him [Messi] just once because in the first game we played just before the holidays, so afterwards all the players took a flight and went away.

The next game was at home, but his team were already champions, so they just had young players on the pitch.

It’s good because he is the best player in history and in all the statistics it was just Messi and then Boufal.

It’s very hard to beat Messi in all the statistics but, for me, I know what I can do and it’s my strength.

I now need to put that strong point for the team and to try and have the highest statistic to help this team score.

Read Southampton’s verdict

Boufal was known in France for his superb technical ability, and his tendency to weave between and beyond defenders has become synonymous with his style. 

This season already, per data from Wyscout, the 25-year-old has made 61 dribbles. Only two players – Wilfried Zaha and Adama Traore – have attempted more, but Boufal has played 321 and 118 minutes less than the two players respectively. 

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Such has been the frequency of the winger’s runs, he has attempted the most dribbles (13.83) per 90 minutes in the Premier League so far, again representing his skilful, forward-thinking approach. 

Boufal has, more significantly, contributed with two assists in the 2019/20 season, but has yet to find the back of the net for himself. 

This will be the next step for Boufal, and he will hope to get on the scoresheet against Wolves after the break. If he can pip Messi to become Europe’s dribble king once again in the process, it’ll be the icing on the cake…

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