Barcelona News: Puyol names one Chelsea player who could hurt Barca in Champions League

Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata is one man that can cause real damage to Barcelona tonight in their Champions League tie according to Barca legend Carles Puyol. The Round of 16 tie is finely poised at the moment after the La Liga leader could only muster a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

The first leg saw Conte leave Chelsea’s record signing on the bench. However, Puyol, who made 583 appearances for the Catalan giants remains convinced that the former Real Madrid forward can have a big say in the game tonight at Camp Nou.

'I think he's a very good player, he has scored goals,' said Puyol.

'He has had back problems but he is a dangerous player.

'He is powerful. He could do damage to Barcelona.

'I don't know what his physical condition is – whether he is at 100 per cent – but he is an important player and Chelsea are missing him.'

Morata has contributed 12 goals and five assists for Chelsea since making a £55m move from Los Blancos last summer.

Morata impresses Conte as well

Conte preferred playing Eden Hazard as a false-nine in the first leg and many believe that the Italian might yet again opt for the same tactic.

The game saw the Blues stifle Barca’s flair and it was only an errant pass from Christensen that let the Blaugranas in on goal.

Morata, however, has not lost his focus and his work on the training ground ahead of the game has certainly impressed Conte who praised the Spain international ahead of the game.

Also read: Chelsea News: Blues considering former player to replace Antonio Conte

“I can repeat always the same concept, don’t forget for Morata this is the first full season in his career because in the past with Real Madrid and Juventus he was on the bench was the first sub if the striker was injured, for this reason we must have great patience,” said Conte.

“We are talking about an important striker, he is a really important prospect for Chelsea, for the present and the future.

“He is in contention for tomorrow’s game, I can tell you this, I saw great will and great focus, great will to fight for a place, I can tell you this.”

Whilst the likes of Morata and Hazard certainly do possess the ability to change the game, all eyes will certainly be again on Lionel Messi who struck for Barcelona in the first leg.

The Argentine superstar has had tough nights against Chelsea in the past and the goal a fortnight back was his first against Chelsea in 10 games.

With most of the big powerhouses having made their mark already, it will be Messi and Barcelona’s turn to make their presence felt in the tournament.

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