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| (Picture AFP) |
The Argentinian magician Lionel Messi, last night took his fourth Ballon D’or in a row given him the status as a legendary footballer. But what is so magical about the star?
91 one goals in one calendar year and four Ballon D’ors in a row – Messi are, without a doubt, one of the best football players of all time. However, the compared with the other nominated players for the football prize, some critics may say that the wrong player won.
In 2009, Messi won the award in front of his rival #1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) and Xavi (Barcelona). 2010, he snapped the golden statue in front of his team mates Iniesta and Xavi while 2011 was the same picture as in 2009. This year Ronaldo took the second place instead of Iniesta who pushed Xavi out of top three.
This gives a picture of great dominants from Barcelona, but it also raises questions about Messi. No doubt he has played some of the best football we have seen for ages, but he has also had two assistants in Iniesta and Xavi just behind him, providing him with chances. Cristiano Ronaldo has and is playing for two of the best teams in the world, but with all respect; the Manchester United and the Real Madrid midfield are hard to compare with Barca.
Messi can thank Iniesta and Xavi for a lot of his success, and it would be rather interesting to see him play for another club team, without his two ‘feeders’ behind him. That said, the Argentinian is a player who can create chances on his own, but the Barcelona team plays a vital role.
Furthermore; would Messi be able to score 59 of his 91 goals in the English Premier League? I doubt it… It is incredible that one man can score so many goals in one calendar year, but keep in mind that the Spanish La Liga is more attacking than, for example, the Premier League. You will never see so many goals scored in any other league, simply because the focus in La Liga lies on attacking.
91 one goals in one calendar year and four Ballon D’ors in a row – Messi are, without a doubt, one of the best football players of all time. However, the compared with the other nominated players for the football prize, some critics may say that the wrong player won.
In 2009, Messi won the award in front of his rival #1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) and Xavi (Barcelona). 2010, he snapped the golden statue in front of his team mates Iniesta and Xavi while 2011 was the same picture as in 2009. This year Ronaldo took the second place instead of Iniesta who pushed Xavi out of top three.
This gives a picture of great dominants from Barcelona, but it also raises questions about Messi. No doubt he has played some of the best football we have seen for ages, but he has also had two assistants in Iniesta and Xavi just behind him, providing him with chances. Cristiano Ronaldo has and is playing for two of the best teams in the world, but with all respect; the Manchester United and the Real Madrid midfield are hard to compare with Barca.
Messi can thank Iniesta and Xavi for a lot of his success, and it would be rather interesting to see him play for another club team, without his two ‘feeders’ behind him. That said, the Argentinian is a player who can create chances on his own, but the Barcelona team plays a vital role.
Furthermore; would Messi be able to score 59 of his 91 goals in the English Premier League? I doubt it… It is incredible that one man can score so many goals in one calendar year, but keep in mind that the Spanish La Liga is more attacking than, for example, the Premier League. You will never see so many goals scored in any other league, simply because the focus in La Liga lies on attacking.
