Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has backed Barcelona to edge past Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown, citing the Spanish side’s “scary” attacking play as the difference-maker, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigeria international, who has had a standout season in the Premier League with nine goals and six assists for Fulham, made his prediction during Episode 3 of UEFA’s UCL Off Pitch.
“It is tough because Inter are good, defensively they are very good. And Lautaro Martinez is a very good focal point,” Iwobi said. “I am going to go Barcelona because the way they attack is scary.”
While acknowledging Inter’s renowned defensive discipline, Iwobi believes the creative flair and firepower in Barcelona’s front line give them the edge in Wednesday night’s first-leg clash.
“It is free-flowing football, very attacking,” he added. “They got exciting wingers in Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, even players coming off the bench like Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo.”
“Going forward they are very creative and an exciting team to watch. So any defence, it is going to be a problem for them to contain those players.”
Iwobi’s pick for the tournament’s standout performer is clear. “I am going to go Raphinha,” he stated, highlighting the Brazilian winger’s influence for the Catalan giants in Europe this season.
Barcelona head into the tie seeking a return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2015, while Inter Milan are hoping to build on last season’s runner-up finish.
As for Iwobi, the 28-year-old is expected to lead Nigeria into the inaugural Unity Cup tournament in London this June, as he looks to carry his club form into national duty.