Pires asks for Thierry favour

Former Gunners meet head-to-head in Spain

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 18th October 2007

Thierry Henry

Henry: Could be tired

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Robert Pires is delighted that Thierry Henry is finally finding his feet in Spanish football, but hopes that he will have an off-day this weekend.

The Villarreal playmaker takes on his former Arsenal team-mate in El Madrigal on Saturday, and has warned of the Frenchman's talent.

Henry started slowly at Camp Nou after moving from North London in the summer, but is beginning to rediscover his goalscoring touch.

Coming good

"I am pleased because everyone was waiting to see what Henry could do in Spain. They all know he is a world class player and he was being asked to show that," Pires told Marca.

"At first, it was a bit difficult for him, but little-by-little he has adapted and has found the rhythm of games and is now showing what he is capable of.

"He has started to score goals in the league and in midweek he scored two for the national side and when a player like him regains his confidence he becomes very dangerous.

"I always thought that he could do very well in Spain and that this is the right league for him because of his quality and his speed.

"I am convinced that he will score a lot of goals here."

Pires believes that Henry is just one of a number of players to watch, with Lionel Messi being particularly impressive for Frank Rijkaard's side in recent weeks.

Messi magic

"Henry is not the only one to be feared from Barca," the French forward continued.

"We know that at the moment their best player is called Messi and that he is doing incredible things for them and his country.

"If he is in form then he is very difficult to stop, although we hope that he will be tired on Saturday after travelling a lot recently."