Gerard Pique: Barcelona Must Be Wary Of Chelsea's Didier Drogba

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has sent a note of caution to his team-mates to watch out for Chelsea forward Didier Drogba when the two teams meet in the Champions League semi-final.

The three-time capped Spain international has hailed the Ivory Coast striker, who has scored nine goals in his last twelve appearances in all competitions, as one of the most difficult players in the world to contain.

"He is the worst striker to defend against," Pique told El Mundo.

"He is an athlete, who is also intelligent when he has the ball under control.

"He is one of the most complete strikers in the world – he is strong, good in the air, quick and has a very good shot."

The 22-year-old was on the books of Premier League champions Manchester United between 2004-2008, and while he says that Red Devils boss Alex Ferguson fears Arsenal more than Chelsea, he has revealed that the Scot always paid special notice to Drogba.

He explained, "Ferguson was more afraid of Arsenal than of Chelsea for everything that happened in the past. [However,] he always underlined Drogba’s impact, as well as their wings and their midfield."

While Pique believes that Chelsea have become more of a force to be reckoned with when going forward under Guus Hiddink, he is optimistic that playing the first leg at the Camp Nou will see Los Cules past the Blues.

"They do attack more. Under Hiddink they score loads of goals but also concede loads because they open their game. They are not like Liverpool, who close the door behind to get results," he added.

"Playing the first game at home is better because you do not play for the show but for the result.

"When you play it at home, you look for the best result possible. You do not need to attack much. But if you do not claim a good result, it is okay, because we are capable of winning away."