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Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa - Source: Reuters -
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Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa is capable of thwarting prolific Barcelona forward Lionel Messi in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg, coach Guus Hiddink said.
Barcelona's Argentina international, who usually plays down the right wing, is the top scorer in this season's competition with eight goals and Hiddink is missing suspended left back Ashley Cole for the clash at the Nou Camp.
The Dutchman tried Portuguese international Bosingwa, who normally plays on the right, in Cole's spot in Sunday's 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham and said his options for the Barca match were limited.
"Messi is already one of the best in the world at a young age," Hiddink said at a news conference on Tuesday.
"Bosingwa started at the weekend and I don't have many options but I have full confidence that he can do it also tomorrow," he added.
Hiddink said he was a great admirer of the attacking verve of Pep Guardiola's side but noted that Chelsea also liked to get forward whenever they could.
"Both teams have the style to attack when they can," he said. "Chelsea doesn't sit back and wait for things to happen and shows a lot of initiative.
"I think it'll more or less be an open clash with two teams that like to go forward."
Speaking at the same news conference, Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda said Tuesday was a chance for the Premier League club to test themselves against the Spanish league leaders.
"Everybody is focusing on Jose (Bosingwa) because he is supposed to play on Messi's side of the pitch but I think he needs everyone else in the team and we need him," the French international said.
"I think Messi is the best player in the world. It's amazing what he can do on the pitch," he added.
"It's good for Barca to have him in the team but I hope tomorrow we won't see all his qualities. We will work really hard to keep him quiet."
