Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona to a 4-1 demolition of Arsenal the last time both teams met. However, Nicklas Bendtner believes that the Catalans’ power is not just about the Argentine.
“When you watch Barcelona, you have to give them credit because the way they play is a pure joy all the time,” Bendtner told The Mirror before adding:
“When you look at their team, they’re about much more than just Lionel Messi. He is the best player in the world and seems to score in every game. No-one else can really match him.
“But, they have so many great players. When you go through their team, there is not a single player who is not world class, so we know how tough the two games against them are going to be.”
It will be huge for Arsenal to oust Barcelona from the Champions League at such an early stage. However, Nicklas Bendtner prefers to be hopeful although the Catalans are superior on paper thanks to World Cup winning names such as Xavi and Iniesta.
“I’d like to think that we are one of the few teams that can match Barcelona for pure football skill. I like to believe that we have great players as well, and that we have a similar style to Barcelona.
“We like to pass the ball like them, and for that reason we have a chance. I certainly think we have at least two or three players who would get into the Barcelona side.
“This time, I promise it will be a different game than last season. We have shown character to come back from behind many times and also to bounce back from disappointments.”
Arsenal haven’t won silverware for almost 6 years now, but overcoming Barcelona in the Champions League’s Round of 16 could act as a turning point in the Gunners fate.
“When you look at their team, they’re about much more than just Lionel Messi. He is the best player in the world and seems to score in every game. No-one else can really match him.
“But, they have so many great players. When you go through their team, there is not a single player who is not world class, so we know how tough the two games against them are going to be.”
It will be huge for Arsenal to oust Barcelona from the Champions League at such an early stage. However, Nicklas Bendtner prefers to be hopeful although the Catalans are superior on paper thanks to World Cup winning names such as Xavi and Iniesta.
“I’d like to think that we are one of the few teams that can match Barcelona for pure football skill. I like to believe that we have great players as well, and that we have a similar style to Barcelona.
“We like to pass the ball like them, and for that reason we have a chance. I certainly think we have at least two or three players who would get into the Barcelona side.
“This time, I promise it will be a different game than last season. We have shown character to come back from behind many times and also to bounce back from disappointments.”
Arsenal haven’t won silverware for almost 6 years now, but overcoming Barcelona in the Champions League’s Round of 16 could act as a turning point in the Gunners fate.
