Luka’s Corner

In light of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid CF and La Liga, it is a perfect time to compare Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two best players in the world. Now that they are both playing in Spain, I have decided to compare the two using seven categories:

Scoring (adv. Ronaldo)

The former Manchester United forward has proven that he can score from long distance and from short range, while the majority of Messi’s goals come from inside the box. And, while Messi has scored 54 goals already for Barcelona, Ronaldo has scored 84 goals for Manchester United.

Passing (adv. Messi)

While CR7 is undeniably a gifted passer, especially from the wing, Leo’s, and Barcelona’s, game revolves around short passing around the box to set himself and his teammates up for goals. The majority of Messi’s 54 total goals came from quick give-and-go actions with Xavi, Iniesta, and Samuel Eto’o.

Dribbling (adv. Messi)

This was one of the closer categories because both players have proven themselves as tricksters with the ball, but the edge goes to Messi because of his ability to keep the ball so close to his feet. In terms of pure tricks, the Portuguese star has the edge over the Argentinean, but the Argentinean has the edge in terms of dribbling with a purpose.

Movement (adv. Ronaldo)

Even though Messi is a speedster himself, he cannot compare to Ronaldo in terms of making runs, receiving through balls on the run, and then finishing the break. Because of Ronaldo’s movement on the wing and up front, the Red Devils possessed the deadliest counter-attack in the EPL over the past two seasons.

Free Kicks (adv. Ronaldo)

CR7 runs away with this category because he actually took the free kicks for the Red Devils, while it is Xavi or Iniesta who handles that responsibility for the Catalan giants. If you need further proof of Ronaldo’s remarkable ability in set pieces, here it is.

Versatility (adv. Ronaldo)

Messi’s Achilles heel of sorts is playing against a physical team, like Chelsea FC in this year’s Champions League, so he excels in one type of game: a fast-paced, finesse game. Ronaldo has no such problem because he can rely on his physical strength to play in a physical game. The fact that he was successful in the especially physical EPL is proof of this. And, Ronaldo can also rely on his speed and quickness in a fast-paced, finesse game.

Accomplishments (even)

Both players have already won a Champions League title (and both have scored in the championship game), so there is no winner there. Also, both Ronaldo and Messi have won their respective leagues multiple times and brought home several cup trophies as well. The advantage goes to neither player.

Overall, Cristiano Ronaldo is a better soccer player than Lionel Messi. However, the debate is sure to come up more often now that CR7 will be going head-to-head with “Leo” in Spain. So, if you are still unconvinced by either side who the best player in the world is, stay tuned for the upcoming season.

Real Madrid CF kicked off the transfer season by snatching Brazilian superstar, Kaka, from AC Milan on June 8. The attacking midfielder was bought for a reported €67.2 million, the first signing for newly-elected team president, Florentino Perez. Then, Perez followed up his daring transfer by buying arguably the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s transfer fee from Manchester United FC was a reported €94 million, which would make the Portuguese winger the most expensive player in soccer history. 

It is quite clear from these two ambitious transfers on the part of Perez that his club is committed to an upcoming season of excellence. In the club’s mind, the way to get back to the top of the Spanish Primera and to Champions League glory is to spend and then spend some more. The acquisition of both Kaka and Ronaldo brings back memories of Real Madrid’s glory days earlier in this decade, with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, and Ronaldo wearing the team colors.

However, despite these two acquisitions, the club is still a long way from a championship season in Spain and in Europe. The reason for this is the vulnerability of its back line.

Especially after the departure of Fabio Cannavaro, who went back to Juventus FC, Real is lacking a big-name stopper in the back. Sergio Ramos, the speedy right-back, is not as talented at stopping others as he is moving forward. And, as of now, the club’s best central defender is Pepe, who recently contemplated retirement altogether. In order to address this glaring weakness, Perez will have to invest money in defenders (preferably a younger defender, like Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus), just like he did in midfielders this past month.

Fortunately for Real Madrid supporters, it has become quite clear that their president is a fan of spending money, so it is not a long shot to think that he could sign a star defender to compliment the club’s bolstered midfield. If he does so, look for Real Madrid to return to its glory days of the early 21st century.

The entire sport of soccer should certainly look forward to that day as well. The sport is on a completely different level if Real Madrid is strong, just like baseball is on a different level if the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are strong and basketball is on a different level if the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are strong. So, my message to Perez is to keep on shopping.