Frei hails goal king Pauleta

Sunday 11 December, 2005

Rennes forward Alexander Frei has described Pedro Pauleta as the best striker in Ligue 1, and says he cannot understand why a top European club does not sign him.

Pauleta stretched clear at the top of the scoring charts when his superb brace inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-0 success over Rennes at the Parc des Princes.

Frei, who was France’s top goal-getter last term, was full of praise for the Portuguese star.

“He is certainly the best striker in Ligue 1,” the Swiss international said. “He is lethal in front of goal and he is consistent. I don’t want to be disrespectful to PSG, but I find it astonishing that Pauleta isn’t playing for a team like Manchester United or Barcelona.

“I don’t know if the scouts have tomatoes in front of their eyes, but something isn’t quite right.”

Now in his third season in the French capital, the 32-year-old has spent the past five-and-a-half years in Ligue 1, previously representing Bordeaux.