Former Barcelona striker and Danish international, Michael Laudrup, believes a lack of pace at the heart of the Gunners’ defence will prove decisive over the course of a heavyweight Champions League clash today at the Emirates stadium.
Laudrup fears a lack of pace will undermine Arsenal’s attempts to cause a major Champions League shock in the last 16.
Arsenal, according to many pundits, will be starting as underdogs when they take on the 32-match unbeaten Barcelona and reigning European champions at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg encounter, despite already having beaten Bayern Munich 2-0 earlier in the competition.
Laudrup, who masterminded victory over Arsenal during his time as manager of Swansea City, believes the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will fill their boots if Arsene Wenger’s side overcommit to attack.
He told Goal: “I have seen Arsenal quite a few times this season. When they have a good day they are the best team in the Premier League.
“They have talent, especially in midfield with Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott on the wing, but it is hard for them because Barcelona are so strong in attack.
“Arsenal have problems in defence because they haven’t enough speed and if they attack too much Barcelona will kill them on the counter.
But according to Arsene Wenger, keeping the door shut at the back is the priority for his Arsenal side against Barcelona on Tuesday, but he backs backs Arsenal to score against Barcelona
Barcelona is on the hunt for their second consecutive treble under Luis Enrique, even more daunting is their quest to defending the European Champions League which hasn’t been done in mordern history. They boast of Europe’s most deadliest forward line in the mould of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr., porpulaly jointly referred to as MSN.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr., aka MSN.
