When asked to select the three best players he has ever played alongside, Roma forward Paulo Dybala made a surprising addition.

Dybala, 30, named Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as his top two options, having played with them at Juventus and Argentina, respectively.

With 450 club appearances under his belt, the former Palermo player’s surprise choice was not something many expected.

“Messi, Ronaldo, and [Gonzalo] Higuain are my three favourite team-mates in the world of football,” Dybala told Calciomercato.com.

“Ronaldo is a champion.” It was great to play alongside him at Juventus.

“He taught me about dedication to my job and the determination to win, despite what I had already accomplished.

“I’m not that he’s doing well in Arabia.

“Even if my childhood desire was to play with Messi, he is already a regular source of inspiration.

“To have shared the World Cup victory with him is something I will never forget,” the Roma forward concluded.

Dybala, a five-time Serie A champion, has had tremendous success since leaving his home nation for Italy in 2012.

Breаking thrоugh with Pаlermо befоre а big-mоney mоve tо Juventus, the аrgentinа fоrwаrd аlsо singled оut оne cоаch in pаrticulаr fоr speciаl аdmirаtiоn.

“Working with Mourinho was stimulating and represented a significant period of growth for me,” he said.

“A coach with extensive expertise who helps you progress as a footballer.

“Honestly, I don’t know what the future holds for him, but I’m confident he’ll stay at the top.

“We now have a new coach, Daniele De Rossi, who was a legend here as a player and is fully committed to his new role.

“He is passing on his ideas and it is really inspiring to work with him.”