Fellaini needs Messi's temperament, claims Moyes

25-Feb-2013 11:00:00 PM

The Toffees manager has called on the Belgian to take a leaf out of the Barcelona star's book, claiming that he is unfairly singled out for rough treatment by opposing players

Everton manager David Moyes has told Marouane Fellaini to try to emulate the temperament of Barcelona's Lionel Messi, while also suggesting that he gets unfairly singled out by opposing players.

The Belgian picked up a cut knee in a challenge with Norwich's Bradley Johnson at the weekend, before quickly giving away a foul for a rough tackle on the former Leeds man.

Fellaini's short temper has already been highlighted this season after he picked up a three-match ban for attacking Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross and the Scot has called for the towering midfielder to try and keep his cool, no matter what.


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When asked if Fellaini gets singled out, Moyes was clear in his response, telling reporters: "He definitely does, yes.

"He has to take as many challenges as anybody - he'll give as many out - but I don't think he gets protected as well as what it is when he's challenging somebody.

"It is frustrating, but I've got to say he's got good at it.

"I keep saying to him, 'Look at Lionel Messi, he gets kicked every week'. Everybody wants to kick him because that's the only way to stop him, but all he ever does is smile and get up and get on with it again, and does it again.

"So I've told him to copy that. I don't think he'll ever be as good as that, but certainly in his temperament.

"He should try to have a similar temperament to Lionel Messi, who looks as if he just gets on [and] accepts that people are going to have to try and stop him some way, and moves on."

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