HOLA!

Champions, leaders and still unbeaten Barcelona face yet another tricky test to their might this weekend. This time the Catalans will take on impressive Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Riazor on Sunday (5am).

IBRAHIMOVIC: His scoring prowess can help Barcelona stay on top of the Primera Liga

The hosts have been performing well thus far this season with the defence, led by Manuel Pablo, being the strongest aspect of the side.

Deportivo have only conceded 12 goals from 12 matches and even Barca will face difficulties in their bid to get goals and yet another three points.

But the bad news for Deportivo is that Barca central striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been finding the net often. He has also four assists in the process.

The Sweden international has a "bagful of tricks" with him to see that Barca prevail in this tough assignment with a goal or two. Ibrahimovic has already scored nine goals from 11 Primera Liga matches and is capable of more.

Anyway, who can forget the superb volley he struck from a cross by Dani Alves to steer Barca to that 1-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico at Nou Camp last weekend — when he came in as substitute. He was benched then because he had just recovered from an injury.

Then on Wednesay, he struck another clinical finish after a brilliant through pass by Lionel Messi in Barca's 2-0 win over Xerez — again coming in as a substitute.

Ibrahimovic may also start on the bench against Deportivo as manager Josep 'Pep' Guardiola is also keeping an eye on the crucial midweek's Champions League away clash against Dynamo Kiev where Barca need all the best on the pitch.

It will be tough but somehow Barca can just snatch a win against Deportivo. The 28-year-old Ibrahimovic, however, is expected to play a part against Deportivo especially when things are not rosy for Barca.

The 6'5" striker, already a "cult figure" with Barca fans, can be relied upon when things are not going that well. Some of the fans are beginning to forget about Samuel Eto'o who has left for Inter Milan.

For a tall man like him, it is amazing to see how he can be so effective in producing his magic via some delightful flair. He is pretty good technically. Well, this is not surprising as Ibrahimovic has a black belt in taekwondo which he got at the age 17.

This helps his flexibility and the ability to execute all those acrobatic shots and passes to create all sorts of problems for the opponents. One thing is for sure, opponents can't make him very angry as the controversial and charismatic Ibrahimovic may just deliver a kick on them rather than the ball.

Hopefully, this won't happen. Anyway, i t 's a pi ty that Ibrahimovic will be just a spectator for the World Cup in South Africa next year as he is now one of the best strikers in the world and with character as well to entertain fans. He is not only great with his football.

He is also fluent in Swedish, Bosnian, English and Italian. And is learning Catalan and Spanish as well. Wonder who is the teacher? Carles Puyol, Messi? By now he must have already mastered all the swearings in Spanish.

Adios!