Bilal El Khannouss rejects comparisons with Lionel Messi after Stuttgart goal

Bilal El Khannouss has dismissed comparisons with Lionel Messi after scoring in Stuttgart’s 4-1 victory over Cologne in the second round of the Bundesliga.

The Morocco international found the net in the 39th minute, and the technique used for his goal prompted some observers to draw parallels with one of Messi’s famous finishes.

However, El Khannouss was quick to play down the comparison after the final whistle.

“I cannot be compared with Messi. No player can be compared with Messi,” El Khannouss said in comments published by YSscores.

The 21-year-old midfielder also explained why he believes Stuttgart is the right club for the next stage of his development. The German side will compete in the UEFA Champions League, a competition El Khannouss has yet to experience during his career.

“Stuttgart is the best place for me to develop as a player. We play in the Champions League,” he said.

“During my short career, I have played almost everything, and the only thing missing for me is the Champions League. So I am in the right place here.”

El Khannouss added that he had received offers from other clubs but decided they did not represent the right move for him. He said his arrival at Stuttgart was part of a two-season plan designed to help him establish himself and earn a regular starting place.

“It is true that I received offers, but they were not the right option for me. When I arrived at Stuttgart, we put together a plan that would last for two seasons. I want to perform well and secure a place in the starting line-up,” he said.

The victory over Cologne gave Stuttgart a convincing result in the second round of the Bundesliga, with El Khannouss making his contribution by scoring before half-time.

Discussion of the goal focused on its resemblance to the type of finishes associated with Messi, widely regarded as a legend of Argentina’s national team. El Khannouss, though, insisted that the comparison should not be extended to him or to any other player.

His comments also underline the importance he places on regular first-team football as Stuttgart prepares for its Champions League campaign. Rather than prioritising a move elsewhere, El Khannouss said he had chosen to remain with the German club because it offered the environment he wanted for his development.

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