VAN PERSIE WELCOMES RIQUI PUIG COMPARISON

Former Manchester United and Feyenoord striker Robin Van Persie has welcomed the physical comparison between him and Barcelona midfielder RiquiPuig. Robin Van Persie embraced his resemblance to Puig as revealed by his Barcelona teammate, Gerard Pique.

The official Twitter handle of Barcelona posted a photo of Spanish midfielder Puig and Pique pointed out that he footballer in the photo is Robin Van Persie to suggest that he looks like the ex-Dutch international.

Robin Van Persie was quick to embrace the resemblance pointed out by retired Spanish national team player Pique. He acknowledged by wishing Puiqgood luck for the new season.

Puiq was on target for Barcelona as they thrashed Italian giants Juventus 3-0 in their final preseason match this summer. The midfielder came on in the place of Sergi Roberto for the final 19 minutes and he still managed to get on the scoresheet. Memphis Depay and Martin Braithwaite were also on target for the Catalans either side of the halftime interval.

Barcelona followed up the impressive win over the Old Lady with the 4-2 win over Real Sociedad at home at the start of the new La Liga campaign. Pique scored the opening goal of the match on 19 minutes before Braithwaite added a second goal just before the whistle was blown in the first half. Danish international Braithwaite added his second goal around the hour mark to put Barcelona 3-0 up. His brace ensured that the Catalan giants were cruising until the final eight minutes when the visitors found the back of the net twice.

JulenLobete came off the bench to pull one back for Real Sociedad on 82 minutes before Spanish attacker Mikel Oyarzabal pulled his team within one goal of Barcelona with his fantastic freekick. Sergi Roberto made sure of the points for Barcelona with a fourth goal in added time.