Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have better understanding than 'BBC', says Gaizka Mendieta
Monday 9 March 2015 21:00, UK
Barcelona’s front trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have a better understanding than Real Madrid’s three-pronged attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, according to Gaizka Mendieta.
Speaking on Revista de La Liga, the former Spain international insists Barcelona’s upturn in form this calendar year has been due to a telepathic understanding between the three star men.
Since the winter break, the Madrid trio have averaged 1.2 goals per game, compared to 2.7 from Messi, Suarez and Neymar.
“The three of Barca have fitted and understood the dynamics of themselves as a trio,” said Mendieta.
“It took Suarez a while to understand how to work around Messi and Neymar, but he did.”
Mendieta believes the problem for Real Madrid has stemmed from Bale and Benzema’s misunderstanding of how to fit in when Ronaldo goes central.
“It seems like especially with Ronaldo, he likes to go in the middle when he doesn’t feel confident, that changes the dynamic of Bale and Benzema.
“They have to come out of their natural position to go wide. I don’t think that helps those three, whereas the Barca trio, they understand what they have to do.
“Ronaldo is a No 9 and expects the team to deliver for him. If the team doesn’t deliver he does not perform.”
