So Johan Cruyff has been quoted as saying he feels that the winner of the Ballon d’Or come January should not be Messi – who is odds on favourite to claim a third title – but Xavi, the player who makes Barcelona tick and whilst not the biggest ‘star’ in the team is the one who makes others look good and threads those sublime passes through.
As anyone who has read my other articles will know, I would pick neither for my winner – Ronaldo for me has been the best player in the world, winning the Golden Boot in Spain and for me a more consistent player. Whilst this year’s award may come slightly too soon for Ronaldo, with the fact that both Xavi and Messi play for the team who won the lot last season – except the Copa Del Ray – too hard to ignore.
If we are going on Cruyff’s assessment of how to decide the winner, then I would again pick a different Barcelona player – Andres Iniesta. The midfield maestro may not get the same plaudits as Xavi or Messi, but is just as vital to the Catalan giants. In fact, when Iniesta is absent, Barca struggle markedly more than during spells without Messi or Xavi.
A further consideration is that both Xavi and Iniesta have enjoyed considerable success for their national team – something which has not only alluded Messi, but seems to bring out an almost English like side to him. When playing for Argentina, Messi is so far below the level of what we expect of him he may as well be invisible.
Xavi not only made FIFA’s all-star team after the Spanish victory in the World Cup but also can boast being named player of the tournament during the 2008 Euros. Iniesta also made a vital contribution to the Spanish national side, and surely this is something that must go some way to deciding the World Player of the year award?
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Please shut up. I’ve been a Barcelona and Liverpool supporter for the last 20 years and you’re embarrassing both clubs with your ‘original’ opinions here.
Messi helped his side win the double, equalling Ronaldo’s goalscoring achievements at the same time. He also did the latter without overlooking his teammates and making a thorough contribution for the good of Barcelona. When it became evident that Real were going to win nothing, Ronaldo’s teammates became preoccupied with making him the Pichichi, passing up the opportunity to score themselves in favour of attempting to put it on a plate for Ronaldo. Very unprofessional, disrespectful to the opposition, and a bit of a joke overall. Messi, conversely, started playing a deeper role towards the very end of the La Liga season, highlighting that personal glory wasn’t necessarily as important for him.
And then you swing out this ‘Iniesta’ bollocks as if you’re implying that you have a cerebral knowledge of the game that deserves some credit. Jesus Christ. Patronising shite.
As great as Xavi, Iniesta and Ronaldo are, if Messi is passed up for the Balon D’Or after the season he’s just had, then the people who make these decisions are evidently as boringly sentimental as yourself mate.
Cryuff is nt voicing his opinions.