Saul once netted a Lionel Messi-esque goal for Atletico Madrid, now he is a bit-part loanee for Chelsea, whose fans cannot believe is the same player

Saul once netted a stunning solo goal that helped Atletico Madrid to the Champions League final in 2016, but is now a shadow of that player.

Now on loan at Chelsea, the Spaniard once dribbled past several Bayern Munich players which included now-Liverpool midfielder Thiago and showcased himself as one of Europe's best midfielders.

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The goal against Bayern Munich was nothing short of sensational and was one that Lionel Messi would have been proud of.

Saul picked the ball up in midfield and ran away from Thiago before taking on three other players and then slotting the ball past one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Manuel Neuer.

In that season he played in every match of Atleti's run to the final of the Champions League but has barely featured for Tuchel's side since joining the club.

At the time, the then Bayern Munich manager, now at Man City, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Saul and his goal.

"Their goal is a brilliant goal, but it’s our mistake. We kept standing off. I’m not happy with how we played," the Spaniard said.

The world was at Saul's feet and Guardiola even had the chance to sign him before he joined Chelsea.

Clearly Guardiola was right in opting against the deal, and since joining the Blues Saul has only featured in nine games so far, three of them as starts, and has struggled in almost every minute he has played in.

With the January transfer window approaching, it would not be a big surprise if Chelsea cancelled his loan transfer and fans will certainly be relieved they have no obligation to sign the Spaniard.

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