Post by Scott on May 19, 2006 0:52:33 GMT
From the MEN:
CRISTIANO Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have a lot in common as footballers. Both are attacking midfielders with games based on flair and verve, capable of dazzling defenders and spectators alike.
They both play for two giants of the modern game - Manchester United and Barcelona - and each will represent their country in this summer's World Cup.
But there is one key difference between the players. While Ronaldo's tricks and flicks serve as a diverting footnote to a game, Ronaldinho's magic dictates the play.
That is the reason why the Brazilian is currently the world's best player, and Ronaldo can only dream of attaining such a mantle. "It is all about trying to be the best," Ronaldo told the official United magazine this month. "I will keep working hard to achieve it but it is within my capabilities."
There is no doubt the Reds' Portuguese star has ability. His foot and ground speed enables magnificent dribbling skills and he even surprises his team-mates in training with his repertoire.
He has a ferocious shot - proven by the free-kick taking style he has developed which sends the ball swerving and dipping at pace towards the goal.
His problem at the moment is his use of these prodigious skills. Too often he will take on the extra man having already beaten two, throwing in a pointless step-over for good measure.
The goalless draw against Sunderland that effectively ended United's title hopes last season was a prime example of his wastefulness. A home win was the sole requirement from that game, and anything else was unnecessary. You cannot pin the result purely on Ronaldo, but his inconsistent performances are the reason his game is struggling to find the next level.
Contrast this with Ronaldinho.
Clearly, the former Gremio and Paris St Germain player is ludicrously gifted, but it is the use and direction of that talent that sets him apart.
His team-mates at Barcelona insist he is the perfect man to play with, seeing their every move early and delivering the right pass. He seems to take just as much delight in splitting open defences as he does scoring goals.
The no-look pass he has developed is the epitome of the cheeky brilliance he brings to the game, with opposing players left gawping like tricked children at a magician's show. Another of his specialities is the dribble that sees him shift the ball from one direction to the other in the blink of an eye. Without touching the ground Ronaldinho's boot shifts from one side of the ball to the other, usually leaving the defender in a heap on the floor.
Not many players have mastered that trick, but Ronaldo is one of them. He is one of the few stars in today's game that can even dream of emulating the peerless Ronaldinho.
A crucial point of optimism for Reds fans is the age gap between the two players. At 26 Ronaldinho has served his apprenticeship and is now coming into his strongest years. When he was at PSG, Ronaldinho was exhibiting all the signs of inexperience that have Reds fans griping at Ronaldo now.
Although he has been around for a while it must be remembered that the United player is only 21, and to expect a fully mature footballer by that age is unreasonable.
If he looks carefully at how Ronaldinho harnesses his talent one day Ronaldo could get somewhere close to his level. He may never reach it - there are some who think Ronaldinho is already the greatest player ever to have played the game - but it would be a dreadful waste if Ronaldo's skill remains for show instead of substance.
CRISTIANO Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have a lot in common as footballers. Both are attacking midfielders with games based on flair and verve, capable of dazzling defenders and spectators alike.
They both play for two giants of the modern game - Manchester United and Barcelona - and each will represent their country in this summer's World Cup.
But there is one key difference between the players. While Ronaldo's tricks and flicks serve as a diverting footnote to a game, Ronaldinho's magic dictates the play.
That is the reason why the Brazilian is currently the world's best player, and Ronaldo can only dream of attaining such a mantle. "It is all about trying to be the best," Ronaldo told the official United magazine this month. "I will keep working hard to achieve it but it is within my capabilities."
There is no doubt the Reds' Portuguese star has ability. His foot and ground speed enables magnificent dribbling skills and he even surprises his team-mates in training with his repertoire.
He has a ferocious shot - proven by the free-kick taking style he has developed which sends the ball swerving and dipping at pace towards the goal.
His problem at the moment is his use of these prodigious skills. Too often he will take on the extra man having already beaten two, throwing in a pointless step-over for good measure.
The goalless draw against Sunderland that effectively ended United's title hopes last season was a prime example of his wastefulness. A home win was the sole requirement from that game, and anything else was unnecessary. You cannot pin the result purely on Ronaldo, but his inconsistent performances are the reason his game is struggling to find the next level.
Contrast this with Ronaldinho.
Clearly, the former Gremio and Paris St Germain player is ludicrously gifted, but it is the use and direction of that talent that sets him apart.
His team-mates at Barcelona insist he is the perfect man to play with, seeing their every move early and delivering the right pass. He seems to take just as much delight in splitting open defences as he does scoring goals.
The no-look pass he has developed is the epitome of the cheeky brilliance he brings to the game, with opposing players left gawping like tricked children at a magician's show. Another of his specialities is the dribble that sees him shift the ball from one direction to the other in the blink of an eye. Without touching the ground Ronaldinho's boot shifts from one side of the ball to the other, usually leaving the defender in a heap on the floor.
Not many players have mastered that trick, but Ronaldo is one of them. He is one of the few stars in today's game that can even dream of emulating the peerless Ronaldinho.
A crucial point of optimism for Reds fans is the age gap between the two players. At 26 Ronaldinho has served his apprenticeship and is now coming into his strongest years. When he was at PSG, Ronaldinho was exhibiting all the signs of inexperience that have Reds fans griping at Ronaldo now.
Although he has been around for a while it must be remembered that the United player is only 21, and to expect a fully mature footballer by that age is unreasonable.
If he looks carefully at how Ronaldinho harnesses his talent one day Ronaldo could get somewhere close to his level. He may never reach it - there are some who think Ronaldinho is already the greatest player ever to have played the game - but it would be a dreadful waste if Ronaldo's skill remains for show instead of substance.
