As they take on Inter Milan, Olympique de Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara spoke about his clashes with the likes of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Nicolas Anelka
Pillar of the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Souleymane-Diawara-c33850 is preparing to face Italian Serie A side Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at the Stade Velodrome.
Though Inter Milan are currently under a lot of pressure given a poor start to the year 2012, Claudio Ranieri’s side cannot be underestimated.
And, Diawara feels that his team will be facing one of the most dangerous players in Europe who are good at winning back the ball. Diawara also indicated that both Milan sides, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 and AC Milan have players who can change the game in a matter of seconds.
However, the experienced centre-back knows all about facing some of the best strikers after having played in the Champions League for such a long time.
Tonight, Diawara would be given a tough task to mark Argentine international http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-Milito-c11166. The veteran striker was an integral member of the Jose Mourinho-led Inter Milan side that won the UEFA Champions League a few seasons back.
Diawara says that he needs to be fully concentrated when he faces Milito and co because he knows that the Argentine can easily expose any defence when in form.
Diawara also spoke about players who have given him a hard time in Europe over the years. Diawara rates http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Karim-Benzema-c20350 as the players who have thoroughly tested him.
“Anelka is the worst. His runs, technique, calls, everything hurts. I prefer charging http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629 over Anelka because he moves around a lot. Ronaldo is technically strong and works hard. However, I prefer players like him. You often find him in one
on ones. I have always enjoyed playing against Benzema. He is smart and technical. Right foot, left foot, head, he has everything.”
Certainly Diawara is awed by the aforementioned players who are arguably the most lethal finishers in the game today. However, Diawara would be looking to keep the likes of Milito and Sneijder at bay as Marseille look to progress to the next round of the
competition.
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