Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi disappointed at the San Siro last week so all the attention will be on him once again this evening as he tries to lift Barca to the two-goal win they need to progress. However, if Inter focus too much of their energies into stopping the Argentine maestro, they could leave the way clear for Dani Alves to strut his stuff down the right flank. Here at JOE we try our best not to be swayed by the hype that routinely attaches itself to relatively ordinary footballers, and Alves is among those about which we hear a lot more than we see.
Nonetheless, we’re willing to give him another chance and if he’s to finally live up to his billing – at approximately €40m he is the most expensive defender in history – tonight could be the night. He’s a full-back in traditional Brazilian mould: the “back†part of his job description is often nominal. But he was outshone last week by his rival for the Brazil right back spot, Maicon, and he will be desperate to return the favour.
Diego Milito (Inter)
Milito has been the definition of journeyman professional for much of his career, which has taken him to Genoa (twice) and Real Zaragoza. Heck, he was almost 25 before he even made it to Europe but he’s been a real late bloomer and, at 30, is now on course for a Champions League final appearance and a place in Argentina’s squad for the World Cup finals.
After several years as a journeyman, Diego Milito has become a star at Inter
Milito tormented Barca defenders Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol last week with his tireless running, and the evening ended with two assists and the goal which left the defending champions with such a mountain to climb this evening. Few will know his strengths better than his likely opponent tonight – with Puyol suspended, Milito’s brother Gabby is all set to step into Pep Guardiola’s line-up. Brotherly love, eh?
