Allegri: Comparisons to Ronaldo, Messi were 'damaging' for Dybala

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri admitted star attacker Paulo Dybala wasn't helped by comparisons to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by the media, calling those sorts of connections "damaging" for the 24-year-old Argentina international.

Dybala has scored just one goal in Serie A since October - a stark turn in form when compared to the 10 goals he notched between August and September. He's been forced into a bench role of late and was linked with a move to Manchester United as a result, but Allegri is adamant their relationship is unchanged.

"Juventus put even more emphasis on his qualities and he's given a lot to Juventus," Allegri said, according to ESPN FC. "In my opinion, he still has huge margins for improvement.

"The comparisons which were made at the start (of the season) were damaging for Paulo, but fortunately he's a smart lad and he understands you can't compare a lad of 24 to two giants of football, who have won 10 Ballons d'Or.

"Plus, there's Neymar who is another that is close. So Paulo has to make his own way and not be compared to any other player. He has his own qualities, he's an extraordinary player. You just have to watch him to see he's different from the others.

"But these comparisons which were made were a bit damaging, these are comparisons which cannot and should not be made."