Pique - Stopping Cesc is key

Barca stopper wary of midfield maestro

Last updated: 19th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pique - Stopping Cesc is key

Pique: Aware of Fabregras' talent

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Gerard Pique believes that if Barcelona can stop Cesc Fabregas from pulling the strings for Arsenal then they will beat the Premier League outfit in the UEFA Champions League.

The Catalan defender cited the midfield playmaker as the Gunners' key man after the reigning kings of Europe were paired with Arsene Wenger's team in the quarter-finals.

Gunners captain Fabregas remains very much Arsenal's talisman and a return to the club where he was schooled makes for a fascinating encounter.

"Cesc is the one that creates the play and is the most important player in their team," explained Pique.

"They certainly have other good players that complement Cesc, but he is most important."

Arsenal's emphasis on attacking football has seen them compared to Barcelona and Pique agrees that their styles are similar.

"I like the way that Arsenal play," he continued. "They move the ball around and they look to keep possession like we do. We have similar styles and we will have to see who triumphs."

Wenger's team will be no pushovers, according to Pique, and any talk of them being inexperienced was dismissed by the former Manchester United man.

"They reached the Champions League semi-final last season when they lost to Manchester United. In the Premier League they have a chance to win the title and I think Arsenal are a tough team," he added.