Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has given his thoughts ahead of Sunday's Clasico and believes that Real Madrid have suffered from Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Juventus.
The ex-captain was speaking to Sportium and also had his say on the form of his beloved Los Cules.
"When the best player leaves, it's logical that the team gets worse," he said on Real Madrid and Ronaldo.
"They have to look for solutions, another way of playing, they relied heavily on Cristiano's goals.
"Now they have to replace those goals with other players scoring, other styles of play.
"They [Barcelona] have to play their football, keep the ball and try to take advantage of the chances they have to score.
"Their style is very clear."
Puyol also admitted that the absence of Lionel Messi will be felt and offered his opinion on comparisons between Arthur and Xavi Hernandez.
"The best player in the world is always very important to the team," he continued.
"Around him there are other amazing players that can make the difference, but when you have the best it's obvious that you rely on him.
"To compare any player with Xavi is a big thing to say.
"I don't think we should put so much pressure on Arthur.
"He has to play his game.
"He is at Barcelona because they have seen his qualities and he is showing that.
"We have to allow him to grow, to play his football and not compare him to Xavi."
The 40-year-old went on to reveal who he believes to be LaLiga Santander's best coach and said if he had to rate Barcelona's current team he would give them an eight out of ten.
"[Ernesto] Valverde is doing very well," he explained.
"Last season was good, so I'll go with him.
"They're a solid team, with amazing players and a coach that is doing very well."
Puyol finished by reflecting on his Clasico memories over the years.
"I experienced some very good Clasicos, some very bad ones and some very tough ones," he admitted.
"[His favourite] would be the 6-2 at the [Estadio Santiago] Bernabeu.
"[His most painful] would be a year before, when we lost 4-1."
Henryrukis
146
great anylsis. great talk. I believe he said it all. when you have the best it is your duty to rely on him because that is what differenciate you from him. I think Madrid fail to plan very well before letting their best player go. and now they are suffering from it. Arthur should really be allowed to play his game and let's not compare him to the legend. by doing that, we will talk him into being unstable with his performances.ever since puyol retired, Barcelona has not gotten a player of his qualities. he is a great player with so many decorations.legend puyol.
luvin
119
yes Madrid has lost a player who scores 50 goals per season and due to this Madrid are losing their games even benzema plus bale can't score 50 goals a season
apkwill
86
Well even a rivals legend knows the truth that Cr7 was the main source of Madrid success... Thank u Puyol for ur honest opinion.
CR7RealMadrid12
77
Yeah yeah CR7 is the king of goals the king of football