Togo's Dakonam Djene says playing against the likes of Lionel Messi is a big motivationTogo and Getafe defender Djene Dakonam believes playing regularly against the likes of Lionel Messi in Spain's La Liga has made him a better player. The 27-year-old made 34 league appearances last season as his club finished fifth to earn a Europa League place. "Whenever I come up against players like Messi, Griezmann or Ronaldo - like I did last season - it's always exceptional," he told BBC Sport. "La Liga this season has been very competitive but as a team we've improved. Nations Cup disappointmentThe biggest disappointment for Dakonam this season is Togo's absence from June's Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Source: BBC May 28, 2019 11:43 UTC