Barcelona full-back Sylvinho insists he is up to the challenge of facing Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday.
Barca defender ready for United test
Barcelona full-back Sylvinho insists he is up to the challenge of facing Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday.
The Brazilian is set to go toe-to-toe with the World Player of the Year when Barca tackle Manchester United in the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Much has been made of the defensive headache facing Pep Guardiola as he looks to wrestle the European crown away from the Red Devils, with Eric Abidal, Dani Alves and Rafael Marquez all set to be missing in Rome.
However, Sylvinho's experience could prove vital as he looks to fill the breach at left-back and put himself in Ronaldo's firing line.
The 35-year-old is adamant that he can do a job for his coach and claims to have no fear at the prospect of facing United's Portuguese superstar.
"He's an amazing player, like Lionel Messi," said Sylvinho.
"He's really difficult to defend against. He can do things other players can't.
"But I have the speed of thought to look after him. His mind is quick - I think my mind is quick.
Tactics
"When you are talking about these players who are not easy to defend, you have to be quick in the mind and the legs too because they are strong and fast.
"But if you tackle right, you can defend against these type of players - Messi, Ronaldo, Kaka.
"It's not easy to defend one against one but tactically you can sort out this problem."
"Experience counts," added the former Arsenal man. "You also have to be fit because we're talking about really quick players.
"Over a long career, you learn how to deal with things."
