Thursday 27 November 2014 12:17, UK
Frank Lampard has hailed Manchester City colleague Sergio Aguero as one of the world's best players and the cream of the striking crop.
The Argentina international was at his dynamic best again on Tuesday as he netted a stunning hat-trick to earn City a priceless 3-2 UEFA Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.
He is fast closing in on 100 goals for the reigning Premier League champions, despite being yet to make 140 appearances.
He’s top of the world football strikers. When you have people like that it makes things easier, because Sergio takes the majority of his chances – he took every one of his chances against Bayern.
His value to the cause is not lost on those around him, with Lampard – who had only previously played against Aguero during his time at Chelsea – admitting that seeing the South American striker in ‘close quarters’ has made him aware of just how good the 26-year-old is.
Asked if Aguero is now deserving of a standing alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the list of global greats, Lampard said: “It’s in his hands. It’s a big call to make. Ability-wise, from seeing him at close quarters, he’s in that bracket.
“If he can carry on with this form, doing it week in and week out, which he is doing, then people will talk about him in the same breath as them.
“I haven’t been fortunate enough to play with those two, but in terms of ability he’s right up there.
“He’s top of the world football strikers. When you have people like that it makes things easier, because Sergio takes the majority of his chances – he took every one of his chances against Bayern.
“I’m fortunate enough to have played with Didier Drogba, who for me was the greatest striker, but it’s very hard to compare those two because their style is so different.
“But in terms of pure finishing, electric pace, in my first few days training here my friends and other people were asking, ‘who does this or that in training?’ and I said, ‘this Aguero is just different class’. He’s proved that. He can’t stop scoring.”
