Rijkaard praises Sneijder

Barcelona's Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard on Tuesday praised arch-rival Real Madrid's new signing Wesley Sneijder, who is also from the Netherlands, calling him a "creative player".

"He plays well with both feet, he can play as a midfielder or in an attacking central role, he has a good mentality and the character of a winner," he told a news conference.

"He is a creative player, who can make great passes, who knows how to make great shots and score," he added.

Sneijder has scored three goals during two Spanish league matches for Real Madrid, including two as his side crushed Villarreal 5-0 on Sunday, winning him praise from the press. Both goals were very impressive, one from a free kick and the other hit from distance with the outside of his foot.

The 23-year Dutch international, who inherited the England star's number 23 shirt, joined Real from Ajax this summer.