Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has refused to be drawn into the debate surrounding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he praised both world-class athletes for their incredible achievements.
Juventus superstar Ronaldo and Barcelona captain Messi will be reunited at the Camp Nou on Tuesday for their sides' Champions League clash.
Ronaldo, 35, missed out on the chance to battle his fierce rival in Barcelona's 2-0 win in October after contracting coronavirus.
Advert
Speaking ahead of the forthcoming clash, Koeman praised both Ronaldo and Messi for playing "so long at this top level in the world."
And the 57-year-old Dutchman insisted that it is "not nice to say who is better because both are incredible."
Koeman explained: "It's fantastic that these two players have been so long at this top level in the world.
Advert
"They are the best players, in my opinion, in the last 10-15 years. Being successful all this time is incredible. It's a great compliment to those players.
"They are different, but they have incredible stats about scoring goals, hat-tricks, about winning prizes.
"It's not nice to say who is better because both are incredible, I admire both players because they gave us so many nice evenings with great goals, with great titles. Let's hope we can enjoy them tomorrow night."
Advert
Ronaldo is currently in fine goalscoring form and has scored 13 times in 15 appearances for club and country this season.
However, Koeman has suggested that Barcelona's entire plan of action won't revolve around stopping the Juventus superstar.
Advert
"For us, it is not an extra motivation because of an individual player," he said.
"We always thought of this as an important match with two big teams meeting. The two teams are going to fight for first position in the group.
"It's always important the best players are there. I think Cristiano Ronaldo is still one of the best, he always scores and always fights.
"Because of his daily work, he is still in the elite in our sport. It's a great compliment to him. Not just any player can do that.
Advert
"We have to defend well against him and when we have the ball that danger goes away."
Barcelona currently sit top of Group G with 15 points, with Juventus trailing the Spanish club by three points.
Both clubs will progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, irrespective of tomorrow's result.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Serie A, Lionel Messi, Juve, old lady, Juventus, Ronald Koeman, Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga, Barca