Pep Guardiola says it is his dream to be able to help Kevin De Bruyne become the next Lionel Messi.

De Bruyne has been in scintillating form this season. The Belgian has provided the ticker in midfield that has seen City destroy almost every team in their path. His five assists so far this season are not a clear representation of the effect he has on City's attacking play.

The Manchester City manager however was reluctant to add such pressure to De Bruyne, admitting that it was nearly impossible to reach the heights of his former Barcelona player.

Guardiola said: "The best is just one [Messi]. If you want to be considered one of the best, you have to win titles and we are here to help Kevin achieve that. The best is just one but he is one of the best.

"Can Kevin get to that level? It would be a dream for me. I would love not only Kevin but all the players I have in the past to get to the level of Messi. It would be a massive thing for my teams because we would win a lot of games.

"But I don't want to put pressure on. Kevin is an outstanding, amazing player and a humble guy. But I don't help him by comparing him with Messi.

"Messi is apart. He has scored 60 goals every season for eight or nine years. Of course, I would like to help Kevin to get to the highest level as possible but I think in the past many times it's been said 'that guy guy is like Messi' – but it is not possible."