'Dybala the new Messi'

Maurizio Zamparini, Palermo president believes Juventus star, Paulo Dybala is like the legend of Lionel Messi

"Whoever criticizes Messi is crazy. We are talking about the new Messi (Dybalan). He will become a player like Messi and he is already at that level, "he said Zamparini told Tuttosport.

Zamparini had sold Dybalan to Juventus in the summer of 2015, for 40 million euro. But now he believes that the price has quadrupled Argentine.

"I would say he is worth 140 or 150 million euros. As I said, it is Messi young. I have said that he is destined to become a star when he arrived in Palermo in 2012," he said.

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini trusts Paulo Dybala “is now worth €150m. He’s the new Leo Messi” for Juventus.

La Joya was sold to the Turin giants in the summer of 2015 for €32m, but his price-tag has sky-rocketed.

“I watch the games and Dybala looks like the best player out there. Anyone who criticises him is mad, because Dybala is the new Leo Messi. He will become a player like that and is already reaching that level,” Zamparini told Tuttosport.

“Did you see the game against Cagliari? Who else can send Gonzalo Higuain clear on goal in the best situation to score?”

There have already been reports of an exit with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain interested.

“Beppe Marotta is a friend and I’d like Dybala to stay at Juventus. In my view the club can afford a player like this, even though there will certainly be offers.

“After all, world class players are wanted everywhere. As far as I can tell, Dybala is worth €150m. I’ve been telling him since he first arrived that he was destined for greatness.

“And to think some of my Coaches left him on the bench at Palermo. Don’t remind me…”

Zamparini is also impressed by Dybala’s Juventus and Argentina teammate Gonzalo Higuain.

“He is an extraordinary and unique striker. He was born to score goals. With his characteristics, he is the best centre-forward in the world, but then you have different types of central striker.

“He really reminds me of Gunnar Nordahl, a forward with great technique and physical strength. Higuain is Higuain – if you give him the right service, he’ll put it in the back of the net.

“I believe Juventus can win the Champions League. It requires a certain maturity and Napoli proved against Real Madrid that they don’t have that yet.”

"I hope he will stay at Juventus. I think they can hold on to him. But of course there will be approaches. World-class players are always coveted by everyone. But I hope he will stay at Juventus for a long time."

Dybala has netted eight times in 24 appearances in all competitions this season.