Fred makes Spain/Brazil comparison

The talented midfielder has the opinion that the two countries share a similar tactical approach to the game as he prepares to face Spanish opposition on Tuesday

Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Fred believes there are definite similarities between Spanish and Brazilian football ahead of his team's Champions League clash with Real Sociedad.

The Ukrainian side have long been an attractive destination for Brazilian footballers, with 11 players from the country currently on the club's books.

And Fred, who joined the club in a €15 million deal from Internacional back in July, believes the possession-based style of football favoured by his countrymen has been replicated by the Spanish.

"From my personal observations, the Spanish style of play, with a large number of passes, is somewhat similar to the Brazilian one," he told the club's official website. 

The 20-year-old also gave his thoughts on the prospect of playing Champions League football for the first time and admits it is a goal he has been desperate to fulfill since he was a young boy.

"We need to work hard to beat Sociedad as there are no weak outfits in the Champions League. Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a great football player," he added.

"Now I play for a strong European club against strong rivals. So you can say that my dream is coming true."

Meanwhile, Shakhtar's skipper Darijo Srna revealed that he quizzed his Croatia team-mates Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, who both play in La Liga, about Sociedad's credentials on Tuesday.

He said: "Real Sociedad  are a good team. I spoke with Modric, who plays for Real Madrid, also talked to Rakitic playing for Seville.

"They emphasised the strength of our opponents, talked about them favourably. This is proved by the fact that Sociedad won the right to play in the Champions League.

"Each Spanish team taking part in the competition is very strong."

The match between Shakhtar and Sociedad is scheduled for September 17, 20.45CET.