Thierry Henry paid Kevin De Bruyne the ultimate compliment after he scored a stunning equaliser in Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid.
De Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius Jr's gem of a goal with a belter of his own, rifling an unstoppable effort past compatriot Thibaut Courtois in the 67th minute.
It was his third goal in Champions League knockout fixtures against Real and the latest instance of the City playmaker turning up for the big occasions.
Henry has played with some of the most gifted and intelligent players in history, including Lionel Messi, Dennis Bergkamp, Zinedine Zidane, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
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But he believes De Bruyne's brain and the way it works is on a "different planet". Henry worked with the 32-year-old during his two stints as assistant manager of the Belgium national team and rates him higher than everyone else.
"He showed up today," Henry said on CBS Sports Golazo.
"I don't think he had a great game but it was an important goal. I have to say I came across a lot of players, played with and against some of the greatest.
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"I think Kevin, his brain is the best that I've seen. Because his brain, in some places I don't know what he thinks about sometimes in all fairness. You look at him and it is like he is not with us, it can almost be a problem because you are not on his level.
"I think he is the most clever player I've ever seen in my life. It is just second to none, the way that he thinks. I saw him for six years on and off with Belgium, you love the man a bit more because I saw stuff that he did in training and in games.
"He is a perfectionist, unbelievable. Kevin, his brain, I am still thinking about stuff that I've seen and it is just from a different planet."
Jamie Carragher is also a huge fan of the former Chelsea and Wolfsburg man and puts him right at the top when it comes to midfielders.
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However, he feels he needs that crowning achievement of the Champions League to cement his position as an all-time great.
He explained: "Kevin, if they get to the final, we are not just talking one of the best midfielders of his generation but one of the best midfielders we have seen.
"I don't think I've seen many better and I've been watching football for 30 or 40 years. I don't think I've seen a better passer but he just needs that Champions League. He needs to have it and he needs to be the man who has an integral part.
"Then he can go right up there with Iniesta, Xavi and Modric."
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Still, the CBS panel, which also included Micah Richards, were staggered when it was revealed that De Bruyne picked up the Man of the Match award trophy.
All three felt Vinicius Jr had to win, though Henry gave compatriot Edouardo Camavinga recognition for his display.
Josh Lawless