Manchester City defender John Stones is excited by the prospect of testing himself against Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
City and Barcelona are set to square off in a Champions League heavyweight clash on Wednesday but the young centre back insists he is not intimidated by Barcelona’s superb forwards.
‘He’s one of a kind,’ Stones said of Messi, reports the Mirror. ‘I think we, as footballers, appreciate it even more when you come up against him and see what he can really do.
‘I’ll be looking forward to that challenge. But it’s not just him, it’s everyone in that team. I think Luis Suarez has taken his game to another level since he was at Liverpool,’ he added.
Both Stones and City have made promising starts to the new season but the side has faltered in recent weeks, drawing against Celtic and Everton, as well as tasting defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
‘You can’t let your game slip or your focus. It’s something I’m working on, but that comes with age and experience. It takes time to learn the game and I’m still learning. There’s plenty more to come,’ Stones conluded.
Barcelona and City’s tie will take place at the Camp Nou.
The action will get underway at 20:45.
