The Manchester City manager has backed his striker as one of the top three players in the world, ranking him ahead of the Liverpool man, while he hit out at low-scoring Chelsea
Manuel Pellegrini still believes Sergio Aguero is the third-best player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and insists he would not swap Manchester City’s star striker for Liverpool forward Luis Suarez.
The Etihad Stadium boss said in November that the Argentina international was only behind the Real Madrid and Barcelona forwards in terms of talent, and lauded the former Atletico Madrid man as the best player in the Premier League.
The City forward’s season has been disrupted by injury as his side prepare to face table toppers Liverpool on Sunday, but Pellegrini still believes Aguero is the best man to lead his side’s attack – though did acknowledge the talents of Premier League topscorer Suarez.
When asked whether he still believes Aguero is one of the top three players in world football, Pellegrini told reporters: “I continue to think that.
“They are both top players. Suarez has had the whole season playing, he has scored a lot of goals and Sergio has had a difficult season with injuries, but I wouldn’t swap.
“I think a lot of Suarez. He is a great player, not only a striker. He scores goals, but also plays a lot for the team.
“If you tell me I could change him for Sergio, no. I continue with Sergio.”
Aguero has scored an impressive 26 goals in just 25 starts this season, but injuries have heavily restricted his appearances in the Premier League since December.
As well as praising his fellow South American, Pellegrini also hit out at Chelsea, suggesting it would be disappointing if Jose Mourinho’s side won the league and claiming both his own side and free-scoring Liverpool ought to be “rewarded” for their attacking football.
“It would be very disappointing, for football, for the fans, for everyone,” said the Chilean. “I think that the most attractive football, the more goals you can score, should be rewarded.
“I’m not saying it’s not important to defend very well. Football is attacking and defending. But I think that big teams must play as big teams.”