For me Ronaldinho is and should always be considered one of the best
players of the last decade. I believe him to be better than both the
aforementioned pair of Messi and Ronaldo. Don’t get me wrong, both Messi
and Ronaldo are as I write the two best players in the world. They are
so far ahead of the chasing pack that they could quit now and no one
would reach the heights they have reached in such little time.
The big issue I have is that everyone and there dog wants to compare
both players with the likes of Pele and Maradona. Likening both of these
two prestigious young talents against the holy grail of football gods
is blasphemous. This is why a comparison with Ronaldinho in my eyes is
better as all three played in the same era as such. Messi and Ronaldinho
played in the same Barcelona team and it’s clear to see the influence
Ronaldinho had on the young Argentine. Ronaldinho was also an
inspiration for the young Portuguese winger in his style of play with
all those fancy step over’s
Ronaldinho for me played every game like he was back playing on the
streets of Brazil. He had it all, a blistering turn of pace, amazing
dribbling ability, dancing feet that left the best of defenders
bamboozled and a thunderous shot. He played the game he loved and always
played with a smile. This free spirit style of playing led to some
memorable moments such as the goal against Chelsea in the Champions
league where he had a defensive wall in front of him and with a few
shimmies of the right leg and a quick toe punt the ball was in the back
of the net! Or his unforgettable bicycle kick against Villareal where he
trapped the ball with his chest spun 90 degrees and unleashed an
overhead kick to rival some of the best.
Statistically Ronaldinho
may not have been as prolific in front of goal compared to Messi and
Ronaldo but for sheer enjoyment of watching a great player ply his trade
you can’t look further then the goofy toothed genius.
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