Manchester City have someone who plays a little bit like Lionel Messi in the eyes of pundit Robbie Mustoe – but it’s not Bernardo Silva.
City ran out 3-2 winners last weekend, coming from behind to beat Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Kevin De Bruyne inspired the comeback, scoring an equaliser and then laying on a sublime assist for Oscar Bobb.
Bobb took his goal amazingly well, showing quick feet to move the ball away from Martin Dubravka and get his finish away before the defender could come in. It was a finish that drew high praise from City legend Paul Dickov.
In the eyes of former Premier League player Robbie Mustoe, City’s Norwegian talent is a little reminiscent of Lionel Messi in the way he plays…
Robbie Mustoe says Manchester City starlet Oscar Bobb plays like Lionel Messi
Quite often, Bernardo Silva is the Manchester City player people compare to Lionel Messi.
The Portuguese is one of the very best dribbles in the game and often displays extremely close ball control which makes him very hard to dispossess. Obviously, dribbling and great ball control have been two of Messi’s top traits over the years.
But former Premier League midfielder Mustoe reckons that Bobb is a lot like the Argentine superstar.
He said in a video on the NBC Sports YouTube channel: “This Oscar Bobb, he looks a silky little left-footer. Maybe one of the reasons why Cole Palmer was allowed to leave the club.
“I don’t want to say it, but it’s almost like that small, left-footed Messi-like qualities that he’s got. I’m sure people realise that I’m not saying he’s going to be the next Messi. But he’s that diminutive, clever, creative, spots a pass.
“Oscar Bobb, watch him, enjoy him, I think he’s a talent.”
Bernardo himself actually raved over Bobb after the win over Newcastle, branding him ‘a big talent’.
Bobb oozes technical quality
Mustoe is not saying for a second that Bobb is the next Messi, he is simply suggesting he is similar stylistically – and he is not wrong.
Bobb has a similar physical profile to Messi. He is slightly taller, but he still has that low centre of gravity just like the 36-year-old.
He’s got very quick feet as evidenced by his goal against Newcastle, and City fans have watched him shine in very tight spaces surrounded by players – another thing Messi has always been amazing at.
Bobb is a serious talent and hopefully, he can study Messi’s game closely in order to further his development.
