Lionel Messi dribbles around his Barcelona teammates in training as if they are just "cones," according to Samuel Umtiti.
Umtiti joined Barcelona from Lyon in the summer and the defender says that in that time he has come to realise just how good Messi really is.
"He has so much ease on the ball. His talent is innate although he works a lot," Umtiti told France Football.
"In training he does things that are out of the norm. Sometimes he dribbles past everyone as if we were nothing more than cones, including me."
Umtiti has made 10 appearances under Barca coach Luis Enrique since arriving at the Camp Nou from Ligue 1.
�� Samuel Umtiti declared fit and included in Copa del Rey squad versus Hércules https://t.co/fwyQgYPTU4 #CopaFCB #HérculesFCB pic.twitter.com/NDQeY5TOiZ
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 30, 2016
He could add to that tally when the Blaugrana take on Hercules in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, with the 23-year-old having been passed fit for the clash after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Copa del Rey holders Barca meet Segunda Division B side Hercules in the round of 32, with the second leg set to take place on Dec. 21.