Camp Nou awaits face-off

By Richard Whittle

Versatility is the byword of the modern footballer and in FC Barcelona's Luis Enrique and Juventus FC's Pavel Nedved there are no better exponents of the play-anywhere philosophy.

Ruffle feathers
If ever two players had the ability to ruffle opponents' feathers then it is this pair. Only last Saturday they were instrumental in changing the pattern of their respective league games. It was Nedved's run and tumble in the penalty area under a challenge from AS Roma defenders Aldair and Leandro Cufre that led to Juve's opening goal in a vital 2-1 victory that restored their six-point gap at the top of Serie A, while over in Spain Luis Enrique was riling bitter rivals Real Madrid CF with the equalising goal in a 1-1 draw.

Self-confessed workaholics
Their tireless running, harrying and carrying before delivering the final coup de grâce elevate both well above the realms of what Eric Cantona once termed a 'water carrier'. The duo have, in fact, been employed throughout the midfield area as well as as emergency strikers; and, in the Spaniard's case, at right-back too. Nothing it seems is beyond these self-confessed workaholics. A fiery streak permeates their play, with neither inclined to back away from physical challenges.

Uneviable task
Nedved was given what seemed the unenviable task of replacing Zinedine Zidane when he joined the Turin club from S.S. Lazio in the summer of 2001 but he rose to the challenge to help the 'Old Lady' lift their 26th Scudetto. The Czech international has carried that form into this season, employed regularly in the free role behind the strikers by coach Marcello Lippi. Nedved's stunning goal against FC Dynamo Kyiv in the first group stage when he first won possession and then danced through the defence before dispatching a fierce shot into the net has been one of the highlights of the season.

Spitting blood
He even ended one league game – an imperious display against Internazionale FC – spitting blood after taking a hefty knock to the chest. Little can halt the 28-year-old who has scored three Champions League goals to add to his nine in Serie A. However with Juve in reach of the domestic title, Nedved is in no doubt what he really craves. He said: "As a club we at Juventus don't have a preference but personally I would have to say the Champions League."

Injury set-back
Luis Enrique, by contrast, has been bedevilled by injury, sidelined for four months after suffering achilles damage and then tearing a thigh muscle just two weeks into his return in March. Before that setback, the 32-year-old had scored twice in three Champions League games, but without their inspirational leader Barça have struggled markedly in the Primera División against physically intimidating opponents. However, that was unlikely to happen with him once again wearing the captain's armband for the trip to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Madrid traitor
Described as a traitor after leaving Madrid for Barça in 1996 the former Spanish international was on hand to sidefoot an equaliser from close range and then took great delight in kissing the Catalan shield – no matter that he is not from the region – but who could blame him after his recent trials and tribulations. "It was a good day to feel like a footballer again," he admitted.

Gusto and zest
They may possess the graces of the midfield artist but more than that their gusto and zest for confrontation should set Enrique and Nedved apart from the rest in the Camp Nou.