which can give them an edge when the clubs face
off in LaLiga on Sunday, says Ronald de Boer.
The Dutchman, who won the league title with Barca
in the 1998-99 season, believes his former team's
sense of identity can help them to come out on top
in the decisive battle.
Real Madrid are three points clear of
Barcelona with a game in hand on their rivals, but
Barcelona would go top with a victory thanks to the
head-to-head record between the sides.
De Boer highlighted the attacking talent that will
line up for Real Madrid and Barcelona at
Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday as holding the key
to the match."The top players in the world are playing [in
Spain]," de Boer told Omnisport.
"The Spanish clubs in the last few years have
dominated the Champions League, especially with
the likes of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo,
who are the best players in the world in both
teams.
"It's about who is in good shape. Right now it's
quite equal. Real Madrid are quite stable this year
in every position. They can score from Ronaldo,
[Sergio] Ramos, [Alvaro] Morata and [Gareth] Bale
.They have so many stars that you can just put 11
on the pitch and they can play with each other.
"Barcelona in my eyes are more of a team. They
have an idea of how they want to play. Neymar is
lifting up his form, Messi is sharp again with [Luis]
Suarez. I think they're both in good shape, so it's
hard to tell who will win."De Boer believes Neymar is stepping up in class,
so he will be ready to take over Messi's mantle
when the Argentina international leaves Barcelona.
"He's taking the leadership at Brazil," de Boer
added. "I see he's becoming more and more
important for Barcelona. He is one of the best
players there is on this planet.
"When he gets a little bit more mature he will fill
the shoes of Messi. Neymar is getting there and I
don't know whether he'll be as good as Messi but
he's certainly trying."De Boer believes Neymar is stepping up in class,
so he will be ready to take over Messi's mantle
when the Argentina international leaves Barcelona.
"He's taking the leadership at Brazil," de Boer
added. "I see he's becoming more and more
important for Barcelona. He is one of the best
players there is on this planet.
"When he gets a little bit more mature he will fill
the shoes of Messi. Neymar is getting there and I
don't know whether he'll be as good as Messi but
he's certainly trying."De Boer believes Neymar is stepping up in class,
so he will be ready to take over Messi's mantle
when the Argentina international leaves Barcelona.
"He's taking the leadership at Brazil," de Boer
added. "I see he's becoming more and more
important for Barcelona. He is one of the best
players there is on this planet.
"When he gets a little bit more mature he will fill
the shoes of Messi. Neymar is getting there and I
don't know whether he'll be as good as Messi but
he's certainly trying."De Boer believes Neymar is stepping up in class,
so he will be ready to take over Messi's mantle
when the Argentina international leaves Barcelona.
"He's taking the leadership at Brazil," de Boer
added. "I see he's becoming more and more
important for Barcelona. He is one of the best
players there is on this planet.
"When he gets a little bit more mature he will fill
the shoes of Messi. Neymar is getting there and I
don't know whether he'll be as good as Messi but
he's certainly trying."
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