Juninho better than Ronaldinho at free kicks-Shevchenko

PARIS, Mar 27 (Reuters) Brazil and Olympique Lyon midfielder Juninho is better at free kicks than compatriot Ronaldinho, says AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Juninho will be suspended on Wednesday as Ligue 1 leaders Lyon entertain AC Milan in a Champions League quarter-final at the Stade Gerland.

''Yes (this will be advantage for us). Because Lyon will probably get more free kicks at home than at San Siro,'' Shevchenko told sports daily L'Equipe today.

''He is just incredible. To me, he is better (at free kicks) than Ronaldinho. He can take them in many different ways.

Ronaldinho is good when close to the goal,'' added the 2004 European Footballer of the Year.

''When away from Barcelona, he (Ronaldinho) struggles a little bit. Juninho is really an important player.'' Shevchenko, however, warned that AC Milan had their own weapons at set pieces.

''I do not forget Andrea (Pirlo). He is a great free kick specialist.'' Juninho has scored 26 direct free kicks in 193 games since joining Lyon for 2001/02 season.

The former Vasco de Gama player is second choice behind AC Milan's Kaka in the Brazilian team.

REUTERS PM HT1604