Francis Coquelin has summarised the size of Arsenal’s Champions League task by saying that Barcelona have the best player in the world in every position.
The Gunners host the European champions, unbeaten in their last 32 matches in all competitions, in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Emirates Stadium.
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Barca’s forward line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have 91 goals between them this season and are widely regarded as the best attack in football.
But Arsenal midfielder Coquelin – including his head-to-head opponent Andres Iniesta – has suggested that Barcelona are world leaders in every department.
Coquelin has admitted that he admires World Cup-winning veteran Iniesta, but is looking forward to the challenge of pitting himself against the game’s best.
“He is a player I really like,” he told Arsenal Player. “Every player they have got is almost the best in every position. Playing Iniesta is going to be tough, but I’m ready for it and I’m looking forward to it.
“Any player wants to play players at this level and I’m ready for it if I’m involved. Everyone wants to play these types of games. We are really looking forward to it.”
Coquelin is expected to partner Aaron Ramsey in the centre of the park in London this evening, with regular partner Santi Cazorla still sidelined by a knee injury.
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