Former Barcelona and Real Madrid player Luis Milla has looked ahead to Thursday’s Clasico meeting and has picked out David Villa as the one to watch.
Milla, who was recently released by the Spanish Football Federation from his role as Under-21 Coach after struggling at the 2012 Olympics, came through the ranks at Barca, before later transferring to rivals Madrid.
Looking forward to Thursday’s Super Cup first leg meeting between his two former teams, the 46-year-old was most enthusiastic about striker Villa’s return to fitness.
“Madrid have the advantage to play the second game at their home, but both teams are similar – the Barca Coach has changed, but not the philosophy,” he told reporters today.
“The excitement is around Villa. He is a decisive player and his goals and his character for team morale will be very important, because he has status and he can guarantee 25 goals a year, if he is fit.”
The Coach also reflected on Thiago Alcantara, who he worked with last summer in Spain’s European Under-21 Championship success.
“I think that Thiago will be at the top level for 10 to 12 years and for Barcelona will become very important.
“He’s a great professional, he had a problematic injury, but he is recovering. I wish him well because he is a great professional, very strong mentally and very involved.”
