It was only a few seasons ago that Cristiano Ronaldo was widely considered the best player in the world. Now, it’s probably a consensus that Lionel Messi has taken over that position. So, how do these two great players compare?

Below is the first edition of my comparison, Messi v Ronaldo. In this version (1.0), Messi clearly has the advantage in most of the categories but Ronaldo is not far behind. Both players are a step above the rest of the world.

Speed

This one is going to be split as Messi has greater quickness but Ronaldo wins out on longer distances. It’s not too complicated when you break down as Messi’s smaller size gives him better agility to sprint past defenders in a 10-15 yard sprint. Ronaldo has the advantage with longer runs as his height translates into a larger stride. To sum it up, Messi wins the short distance sprint while Ronaldo wins the longer distance sprint. It’s a split

Advantage to neither (tie)

Physicality

This is the one place where Cristiano Ronaldo has a clear advantage. His height and strength are above Messi’s. This isn’t to say that Messi is a weak by any stretch but Ronaldo is 6 feet 1 compared to Messi’s 5’7. Messi might have as strong as will as anyone but if he’s going for a ball in the air against Ronaldo, there’s little doubt who will win the header.

Advantage to Ronaldo

Dribbling

Ronaldo is known to do his patented step over but Messi wins this category. His feet are better than anyone and can dribble through multiple defenders at any time. What hurts Messi in the physicality category actually helps him in this one. His lack of height makes him have a low center of gravity and able to dribble past defenders with ease.

Advantage to Messi

Set Pieces/Free Kicks

For a while, Cristiano Ronaldo was very highly regarded as a master of free kicks. Messi, who doesn’t score a lot of set piece goals, is often underrated in this area. He’s more than capable of scoring from free kicks or set pieces. While the two may be about a draw from free kicks, it’s Ronaldo’s ability to score from corner kicks with his head that’s the difference.

Advantage to Ronaldo

Finishing/Scoring Ability

Both players have impressive goal scoring records but currently Messi is on another level. Ronaldo’s goal scoring rate is nothing to laugh at but he’s just a step below Messi. While the actual goal amount is about equal in recent seasons, Ronaldo has scored many from penalty kicks. This also isn’t about the specific numbers but who would you trust to finish goal scoring chances. Messi is unmatched in this aspect but Ronaldo is not far behind.

Advantage to Messi

Injuries

Neither player has had many significant injuries and this is even. Things could change but at the moment both have had relatively healthy careers.

Advantage to neither (tie)

Overall

A few years ago, this would have been even but Messi has clearly established himself as the best. Whether he’s going to be the greatest ever is another question but currently he’s a step above Ronaldo. Again, this is still very close and Ronaldo is still a great player. The two will likely be competing for FIFA Ballon d’Or awards for the next several years.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored two goals in Real Madrid’s last La Liga match of the season, has set the single season scoring record. Ronaldo finished the season with 40 goals in La Liga and ended with 53 goals in 54 matches (all competitions). It’s been a mixed season for Ronaldo as Real Madri won a trophy (Copa del Rey) but came up short in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Below are comments from Ronaldo after the 8-1 win over Almeria in which he set the record and won the Pichichi (award given to top scorer in La Liga for the season).

Ronaldo’s comments after setting record

“The only reason I have scored so many goals is because of my teammates, and I am exremely appreciative. The Pichichi is for them and the fans.”

“I am generous with my teammates and they are generous with me. I wouldn’t have scored 40 goals in La Liga without them.”

“We are happy to end this season in this fashion. It isn’t easy to score 102 goals, so hats off to my teammates. The coach wanted to end the season with a lot of goals in order to start the next one with ambition, and we did.”

“It will be hard to score this many goals again, but nothing is impossible and I will work hard to do it.”

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The highlights of the ad are Ronaldo featured on “The Simpsons”, Rooney living in a trailer park with a crazy beard, and the Ronaldinho Samba Robics based on his stepover moves. Overall, it’s a very entertaining ad and a great job by Nike to create even more buzz and attention to the World Cup and these specific players.

The full length video can be viewed here, on Free Soccer Highlights, and runs about three minutes in length.

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Here’s the full list of nominees.

2009 Ballon d’Or shortlist (30 nominees)

Andreï Arshavin (Russia, Arsenal)

Karim Benzema (France, Lyon/Real Madrid)

Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United/Real Madrid)

Diego (Brazil, Werder Brême/Juventus Turin)

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea)

Edin Dzeko (Bosnia, Wolfsburg)

Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon, FC Barcelona/Inter Milan)

Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal)

Fernando Torres (Spain, Liverpool)

Diego Forlan (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid)

Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)

Ryan Giggs (Wales, Manchester United)

Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux)

Thierry Henry (France, FC Barcelona)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Inter Milan/FC Barcelona)

Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona)

Julio Cesar (Brazil, Inter Milan)

Kakà (Brazil, Milan AC/Real Madrid)

Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea)

Maicon (Brazil, Inter Milan)

Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)

Luis Fabiano (Brazil, FC Séville)

Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich)

Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United)

John Terry (England, Chelsea)

Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United)

David Villa (Spain, Valence)

Xavi (Spain, FC Barcelona)

Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast, FC Barcelona)

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Real Madrid beats Villareal 2-0 –  Video Highlights

Real Madrid took the early lead on a 2nd minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a low shot from just outside the box by Ronaldo that beat the keeper. It was a fairly even match and while Madrid get the better chances, they weren’t dominating like Barcelona have been in La Liga. The match would turn in the 35th minute of the first half as Gonzalo picked up his 2nd yellow for a bad challenge and was ejected. Villareal would play the last 55 minutes a man down. The first half would end at 1-0 on the early goal.

The second half was a bit more open as both teams got chances. Even though Villareal was down a man, they were able to get some decent chances and the Real Madrid defense was up and down. As the second half wore on, Madrid looked to wear down the Villareal defense. The home team (Villareal) showed signs of fatigue as the midfield of Real Madrid began to take control.

The match would turn in Real Madrid’s direction in the 73rd minute as Kaka converted a penalty kick for a 2-0 lead. The penalty was awarded after a handball called on Villareal. In the attack a cross was sent into the box and a sliding Villareal defender had his hands up as the ball struck them. It was a good break for Real Madrid as it could have gone either way. Ronaldo nearly score off a free kick around the 75th minute as it was just saved by the Villareal goalkeeper.

The last 10-15 minutes saw Real Madrid continue to have the advantage as Villareal continues to struggle early in the season. There would be no more goals as Real Madrid would win 2-0 and remain perfect with a 4-0-0 start. It may not have been a great win or impressive performance but Madrid got the 3 points and thats all that matters.

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Spanish Primera Division (La Liga) Recap – Saturday, September 12, 2009

FC Barcelona won on the road at Getafe and Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 3-0 as the top teams remained undefeated. Barcelona is looking very strong as they’ve yet to concede a goal while Real Madrid also earned a clean sheet on Saturday. In other matches, Atletico Madrid earned their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Racing Santander but still is winless. The other match was Sevilla v Real Zaragoza.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored goals as they each aims to prove they are the best player in the world. With both players in La Liga, it should be interesting to the two teams play in late November. It’s still very early in the La Liga season (only Week 2 of matches) so its unclear how good Real Madrid will be or if Barcelona can keep their form of last season. Here are video highlights of the matches.

Video Highlights

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	TV	VENUE (ATT.)
FT	Getafe	0 - 2	Barcelona		Coliseum Alfonso Perez (16,000)
FT	Atlético Madrid	1 - 1	Racing Santander		Vicente Calderon (39,000)
FT	Espanyol	0 - 3	Real Madrid		Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic (45,000)
FT	Sevilla FC	4 - 1	Real Zaragoza		Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan

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Who will win the league title?

It’s going to be FC Barcelona or Real Madrid as the other teams just can’t match them over a 38 match season. Real Madrid have gotten better but can they find the chemistry to play together? It’s not known how well the team will do but at worst they will probably finish 3rd and more likely in the top 2. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka are world class players that have the ability to score goals to steal matches but will the defense be solid enough?

The La Liga title could come down to who wins in the head-to-head matches between Barca and Madrid. FC Barcelona looks to be ready to defend their title and the potential for Lionel Messi seems endless. He’s cemented his stature as the best player in the world and they are the favorites as reigning champions. While Real Madrid made all the headlines with their transfer moves, Barca will just edge them for the La Liga 2009-10 title. Prediction – FC Barcelona win the league title

Who will earn the European spots?

Real Madrid and Barcelona will both grab the UEFA Champions League spots but the other two will be up in the air. Villareal has proven to be a solid club and they will grab the third as they will improve on last season’s 5th place finish. The last spot will come down to the wire but Valencia will just edge Atletico Madrid. The fight for the Europa League spots will be as competitive as Atletico Madrid will finish 5th, and Sevilla will fall to 6th.

Who will be relegated?

This is always tough to predict as its a long season but at least one of the newly promoted teams will be relegated. Xerez CD looked solid as the won the Segunda division and will survive but Real Zaragoza and CD Tenerife will not be as lucky. Both teams will be relegated as they just don’t have enough to last the long season. The other team will be Valladolid as they just escape relegation in the 2008-09 season.

What will the league table look like?

Here’s a prediction of what the final league table will look like in May 2010.

1. FC Barcelona
2. Real Madrid
3. Villareal
4. Valencia
5. Atletico Madrid
6. Sevilla
7. Espanyol
8. Malaga
9. Deportivo La Coruna
10. Athletic Bilbao
11. Getafe
12. Mallorca
13. Racing Santander
14. Osasuna
15. Xerez CD
16. Sporting
17. Almeria
18. Real Zaragoza
19. CD Tenerife
20. Valladolid

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Real Madrid cruises past DC United 3-0 – Video Highlights

The first half began with Real Madrid getting some chances but unable to convert any. DC keeper Josh Wicks played great and made a few key saves as Madrid had 5 shots on goals. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka both showed their skills and had chances as they were getting continuous pressure on the DC defense. There were a few chances for DC but they were unable to get a shot on goal and seriously threaten the Real Madrid defense. Real Madrid were definitely the better team in the first half but just lacked the ability to finish in the final third when they had chances.

The second half began tied at 0-0 with both teams making several changes at halftime. DC came out right away with some aggressive play as Fred got a nice shot on goal that forced a good save from Casillas. After the early chance for DC, Real Madrid took back momentum in the match with several chances. Wicks continued to play well in goal for DC and some great saves to keep it scoreless early in the second half. Finally DC couldn’t hold off Madrid any more as they scored on a breakaway as Higuain got past the defense and beat Wicks with a shot to the far post to make it 1-0. Only a minute later Real Madrid scored again as the DC United defense was caught flat-footed. Robben found Higuain who was open on a breakaway and easily beat Wicks again for his 2nd goal and a 2-0 lead.

Even after being down 2-0 with two quick goals, DC still had chances throughout the match. Robben, who was subbed in the match at halftime, continued to be dangerous on the pitch and got behind the defense and chipped over the goalkeeper for the third goal of the match, as RM led 3-0 after 70 minutes. The last 20 minutes saw neither team score again as it would end with a solid Real Madrid victory.

3	90:00 Final	0
Scoring:
RMD — Gonzalo Higuain 1 (Raul ) 57
RMD — Gonzalo Higuain 2 (Arjen Robben ) 59
RMD — Arjen Robben 1 (Pepe ) 69
Discipline:
DC — Marc Burch (caution; Dissent) 69

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Real Madrid easily beats Toronto FC 5-1 – Video Highlights

The match started out fairly even and Toronto FC actually had the better chances early but couldn’t convert. When Toronto wasn’t able to convert their early chances while the game was stll 0-0, it seemed the momentum shifted. Real Madrid started to take control of the match and it wasn’t long before they grabbed a 1-0 lead on a Raul shot. The all-time leading scorer for Real Madrid hit a perfect shot that hit the crossbar and bounced into the net as TFC keeper Frei had little chance.

The offensive showcase from RM continued as Cristiano Ronaldo scored the next goal and Raul added one more to make it 3-0 after only 25 minutes. The defensive problems of Toronto FC in this season of Major League Soccer were exposed by the world class talent of Real Madrid. After the first 3 goals Toronto’s defensive troubles weren’t over as they continually made mistakes. Fortunately they were able to keep the Spanish giants scoreless the last 20 minutes of the half as it remained 0-3 after 45 minutes.

The second half started with a lot of changes as Real Madrid and Toronto made many substitutions. Toronto had the first chance of the half as Barrett linked up with De Rosario who had a shot on goal that was saved. The home team came out with some aggression but seemed to lack the ability to finish in the final third. One of the bright spots for TFC was Marvell Wyne who utilized his speed to make some great plays on offensively and defensively. As with the first half, the early chances and momentum was with Toronto but they just couldn’t convert on chances.

As the second half progressed, Real Madrid started to get some chances as the momentum shifted back. In the 63rd minute Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed out as RM started to take out the starters. Newly signed midfielder Xabi Alonso was one of the players subbed in as he stepped onto the pitch in a match for the first time in a Real Madrid uniform. The pressure from Madrid proved to be too much in the second half as Benzema was wide open in the box and recieved a pass that he easily put in the back of the net. There was little doubt who would win the match and Real Madrid seemed to never been in trouble even if Toronto had chances.

In the 75th minute as the match seem over, 2nd half substitute Gabe Gala scored a goal on a rebound to give Toronto fans something to cheer about. The match didn’t slow down much as each team made changes throughout and Real Madrid was able to add one more from Robben in the 86th minute to make it 5-1. Overall it was a good performance from the La Liga side who will be looking to challenge Barcelona when the season starts in a few weeks.

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Real Madrid should be better with Kaka and Ronaldo

There’s no doubt that adding these two superstars that Real Madrid should be a better team that this previous season. Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the best player in the world and is still in the prime of his career and Kaka is only 27 with several years left. Real Madrid has a talented roster but adding these explosive players should lift the club to be competitive with Barcelona in La Liga. With Kaka and Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s attack can rival that of Barca’s Eto’o, Messi, and Henry. Last season, Madrid seemed to lack a dynamic midfielder and the addition of two will solve those issues.

Barcelona is still the team to beat in La Liga

While Real Madrid have significantly improved their roster, Barcelona is still the team to be in La Liga in the 2009/10 season. Until Madrid can prove it is able to compete with Barcelona and these two players are healthy for most of the season, the favorites have to be Barcelona. Barca has proven they are the best team in Spain and unless they lose Messi have a good chance to win La Liga. Real Madrid have tried to buy several superstars before only to have it backfire so it’s not clear if Ronaldo and Kaka will mean instant success.

The possibilities are endless

Real Madrid could win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League next season or they could not win any trophies. The possibilities are endless for Real Madrid now that they have two superstars and could still add a few more players during the summer transfer window. La Liga is a less physical league then the Premiership and Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a record breaking season if he’s healthy and in good form. Kaka has proven his ability in Serie A and should thrive in La Liga which has a similar style of play. If this team doesn’t win at least one trophy next season it will likely be considered a disappointment, but if everything goes right then they could be winning La Liga and in the semifinals or better of the Champions League.

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