The Pride of London comment after a popular Sky Sports pundit tipped Chelsea to get a result against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Monday when the two teams clash in the Premier League. Meanwhile Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and one of the greatest ever players, Lionel Messi, believes that Spurs have the best centreback on the planet.
Personally, I often disagree with what Paul Merson claims or states on television. He is certainly a likeable and down-to-earth chap. A man of the world, indeed. But he’s not always the most astute or articulate. Nonetheless, the CFC fan base will appreciate the former-Arsenal man’s prediction on this occasion.
Merson expects the Blues to win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, or at least Spurs to struggle. The theory is that Chels‘ were the better side against the Gunners and Liverpool this season. Furthermore, the retired professional suggests that Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style may offer Mauricio Pochettino’s men ample counterattacking opportunities.
Lionel Messi recently named upcoming Chelsea opponent as football’s preeminent defender
As surely the footballing world’s best judge of character, Lionel Messi should know which footballers are emerging as the most prominent. He has been there himself; and probably still is up there at age 36. Finally a world champion, the winger-turned-playmaker gave his opinion on his fellow Argentina stars not too long ago. And a counterpart of Chelsea centrebacks Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Thiago Silva was highlighted.
Messi considers his international teammate Cristian Romero as the foremost centrehalf in the game. Back in September, the former didn’t just designate Romero the best centreback, but defender. So that includes fullbacks and wingbacks etcetera. Wow. The imposing athlete also appears to be loved by the rest of his fellow National Team representatives. CFC fans will hope that Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk or somebody in blue can get one over the Argentine on Monday.