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'They create a dream that is very difficult to reach': Gerard Deulofeu admits it was hard to be billed as ‘the next Messi' at Barcelona as Watford forward opens up on failing to make it at the Nou Camp

Gerard Deulofeu has opened up on his failure to make it at Barcelona, admitting he found comparisons to Lionel Messi tough to deal with.

Deulofeu joined the Spanish club's academy at the age of nine as was touted a real prospect as he came through the ranks.

With first team opportunities hard to come by the tricky forward joined Everton, where he showed enough to convince Barcelona to exercise their buy-back option in the summer of 2017.

Watford forward Gerard Deulofeu has opened up on his failure to make it at Barcelona

Watford forward Gerard Deulofeu has opened up on his failure to make it at Barcelona

However, his second coming lasted just six months, the Spaniard loaned out to Watford after two goals in 17 appearances.