Deco: Messi is the player who makes the difference

A visit to a group of youngsters involved in the ‘FutbolNet’ project has meant a return to the city of Barcelona for Anderson Da Souza ‘Deco’. The former blaugrana gave his views on the current Barça side. “Messi is the player who makes the difference”, said the Brazilian about one of his best friends from the squad. Deco went on to praise other blaugranes with whom he shared a dressing room during his time at Camp Nou as well as having kind words for the other members of the front three and coach Luis Enrique.

On Messi, Neymar and Suárez:

“I like the front three very much. They are three great players but it was normal that it took time for them to settle in. Great players always get there in the end.”

“Neymar is having a spectacular year: Suárez is gaining in confidence, that’s what a striker needs and Messi is Messi. If all three are in good shape then that makes it difficult for their opponents.”

“Messi is happy and content. He is the player who makes the difference.”

On the team:

“It’s very difficult to find players like Xavi and Iniesta who control the game and can hold the ball. Rafinha and Rakitic are different types of players and they bring different things to the team.”

“Luis Enrique I have always liked. As players he had bags of character and he was a great professional. At the moment he is doing a great job.”

The coming objectives:

“Given Barça’s current situation, top of the league, in the Cup final and with the players they have, the treble is possible.”

“I have a lot of friends at Barça and I always want them to win everything.”

“The favourites for the Champions League are FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.”

The Clásico:

“It was a difficult game, but I think the result in favour of Barça was fair.”

“In the second half Barça controlled the game. Messi got more into the game and Real Madrid fell away.”