Bristol City loanee Liam Walsh has impressed with his performances for League One side Coventry City this season, so much so that he has drawn comparisons to Dele Alli and Lionel Messi.

The 22-year-old featured for the Robins in the Carabao Cup defeat to QPR at the start of the current campaign but then joined the Sky Blues on a season-long loan in September.

Walsh has been fantastic for Mark Robins side and has been integral in their success in League One this season, helping them climb to the top of the table.

The Englishman has anchored Coventry's midfield for much of the season, controlling games and dictating play for his side.

The midfielder's dynamism also makes him a dangerous player in the final third and in addition to averaging the second-most key passes per game in the squad, he has contributed four goals and four assists in his 33 games.

He certainly seems to have impressed his teammates, as defender Kyle McFazdean has been waxing lyrical about him recently and compared him to some of the world's top players.

Before Alli became a Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder, McFazdean played with him at MK Dons and speaking to Coventry Live, he drew comparisons between the two men and likened Walsh to arguably the best player in the world.

He said: "Deli Alli was one of the players I played with but when you look at Liam Walsh, he’s one of the best players I have played with."

"Honestly. I call him Messi. It’s a big statement, I know.”

Asked how far he thinks Walsh can go, McFazdean said: "I think Premier League, me. I really do.

“He’s really good. Class really.

“He had his injury earlier in his career but if he hadn’t had that he’d be in the Premier League now.”

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The Verdict

This is a pretty bold claim from McFazdean but as he sees the midfielder day in day out, it is hard to argue with him.

This will likely be music to the ears of Bristol City fans, as it appears Walsh is really flourishing at Coventry.

The loan move appears to have done wonders for the ex-Everton man and you'd imagine many at Ashton Gate will be hoping he can have a similar effect for them moving forward.

With Josh Brownhill leaving the club in January, City have been left lacking slightly in midfield–could Walsh fill that gap?