Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff highlights Arsenal striker Robin van Persie as danger man ahead of Champions League clash

 Johan Cruyff believes Robin van Persie will be a key player for Arsenal on Wednesday against Barcelona.

The two sides meet in the Champions League this week for the second year in a row, and Cruyff cites the Dutchman's ability to score different types of goal as the main reason why he will be a threat to Barca.

He told El Periodico de Catalunya: “In addition to being in good scoring form, he can score with his left, right, and his head.”

Cruyff also believes Barcelona's attacking play lacked pace during their 1-1 draw with Sporting Gijon on Saturday evening.

In what was a sturdy defensive display from the home side, the champions were only able to scramble a point when David Villa’s late lob cancelled out David Barral’s early effort.

The result brought Barca's run of 16 consecutive victories to an end, and Cruyff said: “The match against Sporting was not perfect.

“It lacked speed. It is important to realise your own shortcomings, but it is better to draw than to suffer a defeat. We have scored one of the many chances in the second half, now we must talk about the great power of reaction of this team.

“What went wrong was the precision and execution in the final third. The only thing certain is that when people play with their national teams, the routine is different, and the pace is affected.”

 Author: By Paul Macdonald