The stats that prove Messi & everyone else wrong: Andre Gomes is the new Xavi!

According to recent reports in Spain, Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to sell Andre Gomes this summer – less than a year after arriving at Camp Nou from Valencia for €35 million.

But it seems as if even the world's greatest player neither appreciates nor understands the understated brilliance of Andre Gomes.

Messi, like everyone else, probably feels that one goal and two assists from 37 appearances is a shocking return for someone who could end up costing Barca €70m because of the many bonuses and additional fees written into his contract.

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However, the truth can often be misleading, whereas stats, like the hips of Gerard Pique's wife, don't lie.

Indeed, while it may seem that Andre Gomes has contributed absolutely nothing to Barcelona's Champions League campaign other than a number of missed opportunities, alternative facts tell a very different story.

Because, statistically speaking, there is no better midfielder in the tournament.

Andre Gomes has a higher pass completion percentage (94.57) than any other player in his position to have featured in at least six games. That illustrious list includes supposed midfielder maestros Thiago Alcantara (92.61%), Toni Kroos (91.43%), Marco Verratti (89.53%) and Barca colleague Sergio Busquets (91.47%).

Of course, you and Messi might be thinking that Andre Gomes' stats are only so good because there is very little risk involved in passing the ball sideways to a more talented team-mate. Wrong again.

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The Portugal international also comes out on top when it comes to pass percentage in the opposition half (93.85%) and in terms of passes into the final third of the pitch (91.75%). There really is no end to his talents, other than the actual creation and scoring of goals.

But then, it's important not to get too bogged down in such things. The other stats speak for themselves: clearly Andre Gomes is the new Xavi. It's high time Messi and the rest of the world accept it.