New Barcelona signing Malcom can be just like superstar Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp.
That’s the verdict of Malcom’s former manager Gus Poyet with the winger having joined the La Liga giants from Bordeaux.
The 21-year-old had reportedly agreed personal terms with Roma however Barcelona snuck in to seal a €41million (£37m) deal.
Having shone for Bordeaux last season with 12 goals and seven assists, Barca will be hoping he can keep that form up.
Indeed, Malcom had actually created 87 chances – an amount that would surely yield more goals at the Nou Camp.
And Poyet believes the Brazilian’s style of play is just like Messi’s and that he’ll have no issues fitting in.
“He’s totally prepared,” Poyet said after his transfer was confirmed on Tuesday.
“It depends on the system, but he can play on both sides.
“In some ways, similar to [Leo] Messi, coming in from the right.
“But in a squad like Barcelona’s, it won’t be difficult for him to adapt.”
Malcom has become Barcelona’s third signing of the summer.
Ernesto Valverde moved quickly to snap up Arthur Melo, who joined from Gremio last month.
And the La Liga champions then signed Clement Lenglet from Sevilla.