Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi says Jeremie Boga is as good as any player in a one-on-one duel in the game today.
Boga is in his third season with Sassuolo, having been signed from Chelsea.
And De Zerbi is delighted with the way the wing-back has improved under him. The 23 year-old moved to Sassuolo two years ago, joining from Chelsea in July, 2018, in a deal worth £3.5m.
Under De Zerbi the midfielder has developed as one of the most coveted players in Serie A - and his coach is delighted with his progress.
He told La Repubblica via Goal, "When Boga arrived, he didn't know how to deal with his teammates or frankly with the goal, but when it comes to taking men on one-on-one, I'd say Messi is better and after that I'd really have to think about it."
Boga has a deal to 2022 with Sassuolo. He joined Chelsea at 11 years of age from ASPTT Marseille after his father had landed a job to work in London. He would come through the academy system at Chelsea before his departure ten years later.
This season so far, Boga has played three times in Serie A.