A disgraceful article which insinuates that it is ok to kick a player but not dive.
WITH talk of a world-record breaking bid from Real Madrid in the summer, Cristiano Ronaldo signed a lucrative new deal with Manchester United last week. He's being crowned anything from United's greatest ever number seven, to the world's best player, to one of the true all-time greats. It seems as if nothing could go wrong for him at the moment, but it's not just the RTE panellists who aren't fully behind him.
Middlesbrough's captain George Boateng famously issued Ronaldo with a bit of advice - cut out the showboating or you'll get yourself hurt. Showboating is great to watch, but more often than not, it is done at the expense of an opponent. Given there are so many defenders out there already on the receiving end of countless step-overs, nutmegs and backheels, it's fair to say Boateng is not alone in his thinking. In fact, I know he's not.
There was one occasion last season in the Premiership when United's opponents, who shall remain nameless, clubbed together to offer a reward to the player who could kick him highest in the air. It was the players' idea, with each one contributing £100. The overall pot of a little under £2,000 was paid to the 'winner' at training the next day. I'm sure many fans would be appalled at the idea of the most skilful, entertaining players being targeted in this way. It is the old-fashioned way to deal with skilful players but, despite the tighter restrictions on the pitch, it still has its appeal.
As the season has progressed, the hype surrounding Ronaldo has seemingly peaked. He is receiving the ultimate accolade. We are now being told on an almost daily basis that Ronaldo is the greatest player we have in the world today. Alex Ferguson has said it and anyone else at the club who has been asked has agreed with him. To be fair to them all, though, if you're asked that question by reporters about your team-mate, it is very unlikely you'd respond saying you preferred Ronaldinho or anyone else.
For Patrice Evra to compare Ronaldo to Maradona, Best and Pele is a step too far in my mind
Their opinions are worth listening to because they are perhaps best placed to judge his talents, for they work with him all week. They can see how he performs in training and how hard he works in the gym. They've seen and heard all the criticism and abuse he has received at away grounds following his role in Rooney's World Cup sending-off, and more importantly they've seen his superb reaction. But for Patrice Evra to compare Ronaldo to Maradona, Best and Pele is a step too far in my mind.
He may be very entertaining to watch, but there's a side to his character which infuriates. On too many occasions we have seen Ronaldo diving and cheating his way through games. Many within the game call it professionalism, or 'showing experience', and maybe if I was still playing I'd be calling it the same. However effective it is in conning referees, though, it looks terrible and sets the lowest standards to aspiring footballers. It's disappointing that one of the few players in the Premiership with enough genuine pace and skill to beat any defender in Europe should act this way.
Whether or not he's the world's best is obviously a matter of opinion, but it's certainly not mine. Ronaldinho, Kaka, Cannavaro and Henry can all do things in ways others cannot, but the player I would pay most to watch is Wayne Rooney. There is a real work ethic there, an awesome talent and an attitude I would instil in every young player. No cheating, diving or play-acting, and a willingness to defend when the need arises. Though not at his very best right now, he is a real footballer.
As a striker, playing alongside Ronaldo would bring with it a fair amount of frustration, simply because you'd never know when to dart free from your marker in anticipation of a cross. Beckham at his peak, for example, played the position the way it should be played in my view. He took one touch, looked up, and picked out a team-mate with incredible accuracy on most occasions. Nowhere near as entertaining, but when you're on a pitch, winning is the primary objective.
We've all been impressed with his dribbling, his pace, his strength, and his overall skill levels, but Ronaldo has yet to get anywhere near the standards set by United's previous number seven when it comes to delivery. Call them right-sided midfielders or wingers, but for all their entertainment value, they should be judged solely on their output. This is an area he needs to improve on considerably before he can be compared to players of true greatness.
He is immensely talented, and at such a young age it would be safe to assume he'll get even better if he keeps his head
He is immensely talented, and at such a young age it would be safe to assume he'll get even better if he keeps his head. He will most likely be voted the PFA Player of The Year, and has been the most in-form player this season. But to crown him the world's greatest, never mind hint he belongs in the company of Best or Pele, is far too premature. He may one day prove himself to be of that calibre, but we were told the same thing about a young Ryan Giggs, and a year ago the same was being said of Wayne Rooney.
He would do well to heed the words of Boateng, an experienced pro who knows that you cannot further your career or develop as a player while sitting on the treatment table. I doubt he will, though, which makes it a lot more entertaining for us all.
richiesadlier@hotmail.com
MESSI'S better. End of story!!!
