Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo Wades Into GOAT Debate, Names Lionel Messi As Childhood Idol

• Alejandro Grimaldo waded into the GOAT debate when he discussed who his childhood idol was
• The Bayer Leverkusen defender was once a part of the famed La Masia Academy in Barcelona
• Grimaldo was linked with a return to Spain last year but chose to go to the Bundesliga instead

Alejandro Grimaldo is one of the best left-backs in Europe at the moment.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender has made a name for himself at the Bundesliga side, but many expected big things from him, considering where he came from.

The Spanish star comes from Barcelona’s famed La Masia Academy, the same place that produced Lionel Messi.

Having joined La Masia as a 13-year-old, Grimaldo graduated from it in 2012 before spending three and a half years with Barca Reserves, GOAL noted.

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Now one of Leverkusen’s talented charges that are leading them to the Bundesliga title, Grimaldo has reflected on his footballing idols, including naming who he thought was the GOAT.

Grimaldo praises Messi’s influence

During a recent interview with Fabrizio Romano, Grimaldo was quizzed about his childhood idol, to which he replied it was Messi.

He admitted that he watched Messi playing for the Barca first team while he was at La Masia, describing him as the best of all time.

Grimaldo was linked with Spanish return

Before joining Leverkusen as a free agent, the Spaniard was linked with numerous European sides.

As noted by Barca Universal, he admitted that he received offers from the English Premier League and La Liga but opted to go to a coach who believed in him and the project as well.

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He then moved to the Bundesliga, where he has become a key figure for Xabi Alonso's team.

Celebrities wade into the GOAT debate

Sports Brief earlier reported how the greatest of all-time debate in football will never be settled.

Ronaldo and Messi both have their fans, but the debate continues over who is the best in the sport's history.

While many sports stars have shared their opinion, some well-known celebrities have also had their say.