Source: Daily_Mail
One foot in both camps: Gerard Pique reveals all from Barcelona and United
Who are Dracula and the Viking? In our final guide GERARD PIQUE, who has played for both teams, reveals secrets from the dressing rooms...
BARCELONA
VICTOR VALDES
He’s unbelievable when one-on-one with a player. The fact he’s not in Spain’s team is strange because he is one of the best five goalkeepers in the world. I like him because he doesn’t moan when I am DJ in the dressing room. He also plays the piano.
CARLES PUYOL
Despite playing centre-back, I think he is best at right-back. He is like a barnacle or limpet that you find on rocks on the beach. You have to keep scratching away but still get little out of it! He is the captain, a good friend but an animal who is relentless on the pitch. If I was playing chess, he would be my rook. A tower of strength.
GERARD PIQUE
What can I say? Scandalously good-looking (see my picture, below right). Talented on and off the pitch. There’s nothing better than me, but maybe I could do with a little more confidence!
SYLVINHO
The daddy of the team. A real good guy. He is always concerned for the welfare of the side and asks questions all the time when we are travelling, making sure we are OK. Not played enough in key games but very reliable.
XAVI
Best example of how good Barcelona’s academy can be. He loves the ball more than anything else in the world. It is almost impossible to take the ball off him in training and if anyone does you normally get an ovation from the rest of the team.
SERGI BUSQUETS
He is the rookie of the season. He was a striker last year and Pep changed him into a defensive midfielder. We call him Superman. You can kick him as much as you like but he won’t feel it. He will be a reference point in world football in a few years’ time.
ANDRES INIESTA
Best midfielder in the world. You can study his hips as he is moving towards you but he will bluff you with his body. If Andres scored more goals he would be the biggest act in the world. Bigger than any singer! As a person, soft as a loaf of bread.
LIONEL MESSI
No 1 in the world. You can’t fight against him, you will lose because he is quicker and more athletic than you. Not superstitious, but always wears his Argentina flag shinpads. I grew up with him here at Barcelona and he hasn’t disappointed me.
SAMUEL ETO'O
We asked the coach and the chairman at the start of the season to make sure that we kept him. He had to stay, there’s no other striker like him. He was having a bad time but proved to everyone that he is a top professional. He is fanatical about cars and watches.
THIERRY HENRY
He looks very cocky, but on a daily basis he has shown strong humility — despite being the best footballer in Arsenal’s history. He kisses a tattoo on his wrist every time he scores and I have told him he is in danger of wearing out his skin, he has scored so many.
YAYA TOURE
He always leaves everyone open-mouthed with his show of strength. Quiet in the dressing room but very friendly and never complains. He doesn’t care whether he plays defensive midfield or centre-back, and we all feel comfortable whichever position he plays. Has some unusual dance moves, though.
SEYDOU KEITA
The lungs of the team. He can run from deep and score, he is good in the air and cares a lot defensively. He doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘no’. He says ‘yes’ to requests from the gaffer and ends up paying five times for it.
EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN
The Viking or The Gargoyle. He has a special humour for the dressing room. He is always funny and cheery. Unbelievable first touch and is probably the best in the team with his back to goal. Speaks very good English and likes a party.
BOJAN
It doesn’t matter how many minutes he plays, because he always gets a chance. Don’t give him half a metre because he will take you to the cleaners. His body is like a snake, he can change direction quickly and can slip past easily. He is a kid in the dressing room but I am trying to make him become a man!
