Sergio Romero: With & Against

Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi when we challenged him to take part in our 'With and Against' feature.

Asked to select the team-mates and opponents he rates as the best in certain areas of the game, Romero picked out his Argentina colleague Messi in two different categories.

"The quickest player has to be Lionel Messi," the goalkeeper told us. "I think he has shown over all these years with Barcelona and in the Argentinian national team just how quick he is with the ball at his feet. Thank goodness I’ve always played in the same team as him and I've never had to line up against him because he’s a very difficult opponent to stop."

When asked for the best passer he's teamed up with, Romero also replied: "Messi. Without a doubt!"

As for his paciest opponent, the Argentinian shot-stopper opted to go elsewhere in South America. "There are lots of them, but I was really surprised by just how quick the Colombian, Juan Cuadrado, is.

"He’s an attacking midfielder who is comfortable playing anywhere across the midfield and who likes to get forward on goal and has a great shot on him. But what stands out about him is that when he picks up the ball in the middle of the pitch. he runs those 40 or 50 metres towards the opposition goal with ease."

Fastest player played with? "The quickest has to be Lionel Messi."

Fastest played against? "I was surprised by just how pacey Cuadrado is."

Fittest played with? "Mascherano is tremendously fit and he never gives up."

Fittest played against? "Aston Villa's Sanchez is extremely fit."

Toughest tackler played with? "Wernbloom at Alkmaar; he's now at CSKA."

Toughest tackler against? "There are lots, but I'll go with Paulo Da Silva."

Best finisher you've played with? "Sergio Aguero."

Best finisher you've played against? "Falcao. You can never anticipate him."

Best passer you've played with? "Messi. No doubt about it!"

Best player you've played against? "I really like Neymar's style."

Credit: Manutd.com