Zenden has played in London, Merseyside and Barcelona derbies, as well as Barcelona v Real - known in Spain as El Derbi or El Clasico.

Sunderland midfielder Boudewijn Zenden believes the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle is an essential ingredient in both teams' seasons.

As Newcastle were in the Championship last season, Zenden has yet to experience the unique atmosphere of a meeting between the north-east rivals.

"I'm happy the derby is there again," Zenden told BBC Newcastle.

"It felt like something was missing last season, it's going to be interesting, it's very tight."

Players of many different nationalities are vying to feature in the two squads in Sunday's derby at St James' Park, reflecting the multinational flavour of the Premier League.

However Zenden is adamant foreign players understand the intensity of such games, particularly given the presence of local players such as Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and Newcastle's Andy Carroll.

"When you play for a team you always defend the colours and defend that part of history," Zenden added.

"When I played in Spain for Barcelona I also defended the colours and knew what it meant for the people, and it doesn't change anything," Zenden continued.

"As a team, even Barca or Madrid, any country or city, what you try to do is work on your youth players and get them as good as they can be to play for your team.

"If Barcelona could play with with 22 Catalan players then they definitely would, so you try to do your best so you can fit them in."

During his career the former Netherlands international has featured in some of the world's most famous high profile rivalries, including the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool and Barcelona v Real Madrid.

Zenden's played for Barcelona in 'El Clasico' against Real Madrid

"It's more than a derby, it's 'El Classico', and those games are so special, especially for the people from Barcelona," Zenden continued.

"If Barca wins and Madrid loses, that's a good weekend, they always mirror themselves what happens in Madrid. So when that game comes up, about three or four weeks in advance they're already talking about it.

"When Newcastle came up, at the beginning of the season, the draw was made for the fixtures and everyone was talking about the game, but it's a bit quieter than the one in Spain.

"At every training session you get about 20 journalists there, the newspapers are there single day, talking about football."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version