Comparison El Classico – Gerard Pique vs. Pepe
The true test that is going to take place on 29th November is of the defenders who are going to be playing for each of the sides. As the former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho found Ricrado Carvalho in his side as he
bought him during the summer transfer window, the Spanish Champions did not change a single thing in their defensive line up as they were totally satisfied with their performances.
The former Manchester United centre back Gerard Pique has managed to impress many fans in the world and he is often being compared to the German defender Frank Beckenbeur. The legendary German centre back was often seen scoring goals just
like Gerard Pique and while performing against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi final, Gerard Pique was the one who scored the only goal of the match in the Nou Camp. He did it in phenomenal fashion when he managed to do a 360 past the Inter Milan
defender.
On the other hand, Pepe is a different sort of a centre back. It is true that Gerard Pique is better in terms of attacking and defending but Pepe is the one who never hesitates in sliding in for a rough tackle. As Gerard Pique gives an
aerial advantage in the defensive line of Barcelona, it is the Portuguese centre back Pepe who provides the same advantage for the Los Blancos.
Gerard Pique is often seen moving forward with the team to help in scoring goals but Pepe is the one who decides to stay behind to help the team with his defensive qualities. He has good aerial ability but he sometimes lacks the concentration
and that is basically the reason why the current Spanish Champions stand a chance of not keeping a clean sheet.
Last season it was Lionel Messi who managed to get past three Real Madrid players in a blink and Pepe was one of them. Pepe can easily block the balls that are coming towards him with a man rushing forward but whenever it comes down to
running alongside a player making a run, it becomes difficult for Pepe to block the man down. It is true that the newly signed Carvalho is the man for that job but whenever Pepe is going to be against a striker like David Villa, he is going to be tested time
and time again as the Spanish goal scoring machine can do wonders with the ball at his feet.
On the other hand, Gerard Pique is the one who is going to be under threat because of Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentinean striker is good at what Gerard Pique is weak in and that, a counter attack. The Barcelona defence is widely opened whenever
they are exposed to fast counter attacks and even a young defender like Gerard Pique is going to fail against the quick running strikers like Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain.
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