Major Isewater Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 Whilst I am not a big fan of this man’s persona I have to take my hat off to him for his professionalism and his capacity to keep performing, week in , week out when he could just rest on his laurels. From the BBC; ’ Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Juventus' record-extending ninth successive Serie A title 'to the fans' as they defeated Sampdoria in Turin. The forward scored his 31st league goal of the season from Miralem Pjanic's short free-kick and Federico Bernardeschi sealed the victory.‘ That really is some achievement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YGBjammy Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 Over 20 league goals per season every season since 09/10. 31 goals in 32 apps in serie A this season, at age 35. Guy is an absolute machine. From various documentaries etc I've seen a lot of staff aren't surprised he is still putting up big numbers late in his career, he was/is totally obsessive over his performance and training. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted July 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 1 hour ago, YGBjammy said: Over 20 league goals per season every season since 09/10. 31 goals in 32 apps in serie A this season, at age 35. Guy is an absolute machine. From various documentaries etc I've seen a lot of staff aren't surprised he is still putting up big numbers late in his career, he was/is totally obsessive over his performance and training. As Roy Castle used to say ‘ that’s dedication ‘ . He sure as hell doesn’t need the money or the fame . He’s done it at the highest level in the toughest leagues in the world albeit for the best clubs . Whenever there is the argument over who is the best between CR and Messi , who is another outstanding player of our times, I put the former at the top because of this . I really detested the ‘ Gelled tumbler ‘ for his antics earlier in his career but I can only admire his commitment to the game and his courage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SecretSam Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 He's still a bell end, tho' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshtonGreat Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 4 minutes ago, Major Isewater said: As Roy Castle used to say ‘ that’s dedication ‘ . He sure as hell doesn’t need the money or the fame . He’s done it at the highest level in the toughest leagues in the world albeit for the best clubs . Whenever there is the argument over who is the best between CR and Messi , who is another outstanding player of our times, I put the former at the top because of this . I really detested the ‘ Gelled tumbler ‘ for his antics earlier in his career but I can only admire his commitment to the game and his courage. Ronaldo has a magnificent record. He is indeed a machine. But I would still place Messi higher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Portland Bill Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 Guess who was top goal scorer in La Liga this season at the age of 33! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Batman Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 1 hour ago, Major Isewater said: Whilst I am not a big fan of this man’s persona I have to take my hat off to him for his professionalism and his capacity to keep performing, week in , week out when he could just rest on his laurels. From the BBC; ’ Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Juventus' record-extending ninth successive Serie A title 'to the fans' as they defeated Sampdoria in Turin. The forward scored his 31st league goal of the season from Miralem Pjanic's short free-kick and Federico Bernardeschi sealed the victory.‘ That really is some achievement. Even though he's lost a bit of pace, he's still no slouch. He's still very athletic and his finishing is still very good. Could easily play into his 40's considering the science and technology available now. Zlatan is 40 next October (2021). I think he'll still be playing. Cue Ibrahimovic retirement announcement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted July 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 11 minutes ago, AshtonGreat said: Ronaldo has a magnificent record. He is indeed a machine. But I would still place Messi higher. I would like to have seen LM test himself in other leagues like Ronaldo has. Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players ever but he’s only done it in one country at one club which for me gives CR the edge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted July 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 14 minutes ago, Portland Bill said: Guess who was top goal scorer in La Liga this season at the age of 33! Bas Savage ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taz Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 2 minutes ago, The Batman said: Even though he's lost a bit of pace, he's still no slouch. He's still very athletic and his finishing is still very good. Could easily play into his 40's considering the science and technology available now. Zlatan is 40 next October (2021). I think he'll still be playing. Cue Ibrahimovic retirement announcement Easily. I think with Ronaldo, so long as he's still enjoying playing football, then he will just keep playing until he's had enough. His fitness levels/regime are unbelievable and you'd probably be hard pressed to find someone that could even compare to him in the modern game - maybe Zlatan himself would possibly come closest. Also the small detail about winning trophies wherever he goes - Sporting (Portuguese charity shield/supercup), Man Utd, Madrid, Juventus, International trophies..... Has been very very successful. In his early Man Utd days, you either loved him or hated him (most went with the latter due to where he was playing, as well as the winking incident against England), but I think most have learned to respect him over the years. I can see him going for a few years yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshtonGreat Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 32 minutes ago, Major Isewater said: I would like to have seen LM test himself in other leagues like Ronaldo has. Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players ever but he’s only done it in one country at one club which for me gives CR the edge. I agree that Ronaldo's having nailed it in multiple leagues gives him an edge over Messi in certain respects. I just think Messi has a lot more to his game - he combines Ronaldo's numbers with DeBruyne's artistry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2015 Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 I really do believe he may become the modern day Stanley Matthews, potentially playing until he is 45. An absolute freak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheddarReds Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 41 minutes ago, Major Isewater said: I would like to have seen LM test himself in other leagues like Ronaldo has. Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players ever but he’s only done it in one country at one club which for me gives CR the edge. Sorry, Major, it's not a good argument for me. Barcelona have been a state for a couple years and Messi's carried them massively. Ronaldo has 'tested/ proved himself' by going to a dominant Juventus side that had won 7 league titles back to back prior to his arrival. Even this year, 31 goals is impressive but considering 40% of them (rounding up) are penalties it takes the shine off. Messi the greatest for me but how privileged we are to have both right now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRISTOL86 Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 I used to find him quite objectionable but it's hard to dislike someone who has demonstrated such a sheer relentlessness in their quest to be the absolute peak of their ability. Must be one of, if not the, most committed and dedicated athletes the world has ever seen, to be in his condition at the tail end of his career really does take some doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2015 Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 5 minutes ago, CheddarReds said: Sorry, Major, it's not a good argument for me. Barcelona have been a state for a couple years and Messi's carried them massively. Ronaldo has 'tested/ proved himself' by going to a dominant Juventus side that had won 7 league titles back to back prior to his arrival. Even this year, 31 goals is impressive but considering 40% of them (rounding up) are penalties it takes the shine off. Messi the greatest for me but how privileged we are to have both right now! Am I the only one who changes their mind every year on who is better between the pair? It's just so hard to choose between them, they are very different in styles and personality. Football is lucky to have the pair of them. However, Lewandowski must feel gutted that the ballon d'or has been cancelled this year/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fpcity Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 He'll play into his 40's with his fitness and dedication. I'll have him over Messi for proving himself in 3 top leagues and leading Portugal to a major trophy. I love the video of him dressing up as a chubby guy and trying to get people to have a kick about with him, even gets rejected when he asks a women for her number. Ends playing with a young lad before revealing himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Robin Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 He lost my respect when he decided to dishonour his career by joining the Turin Mafia, aka Masters Of Cheating: judging Rubentus players numbers has little value, at least compared to other teams players, who don't have the same advantages that the Bianconeri almost always have (even this season). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baba Yaga Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 I have been enjoying watching the Serie A highlights for the past few weeks. It was a good strike last night but I recommend the goal he scored against Genoa a few weeks ago on around 2 minutes. Strangely you could argue Juve have had a poor season if they do badly in the return of the champions league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUSSEL85 Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 He will go on until he is 40 in my opinion, fantastic player and consider myself lucky to watch him play. He is not always liked in some respects for on field antics but he is a very charitable person, ambassadors to 3 charities, donating huge sums and paying for a child’s brain surgery, and that’s the tip of the iceberg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Batman Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 42 minutes ago, CheddarReds said: Messi the greatest for me but how privileged we are to have both right now! We're certainly going to miss them when they're gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red7 Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 1 hour ago, Major Isewater said: Bas Savage ? If Savage were still only 33 years old, surely we'd be in for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welcome To The Jungle Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 By far the greatest human to play the game. Would be the best ever if not for the inhuman Messi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonBristolian Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 For me, the comparison between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo comes down to whether you admire pure talent or pure dedication. I'm being massively simplistic here, in that both are obviously ridiculously talented and ridiculously dedicated to their professions but Messi strikes me as someone who has been the best from the young age and has had a career based on that incredible talent whereas Ronaldo is someone who, as a talented teenager, worked relentlessly to improve and improve until he was the best in the world. I still remember when Ronaldo as at United, there was frequent discussion about whether Ronaldo or Rooney would go on to be the better player and Ronaldo went from being on a level where the comparison seemed valid to getting so good he blew Rooney, and everyone else bar Messi, completely out the water. It sort of comes down to the Karate Kid thing. Are you more impressed by Danny Le Russo, who starts doing karate and seems to have a natural gift for it, or Johnny Lawrence, who has obviously worked his entire life to be a winner? You're tempted to side with the talented underdog but I'd argue the one who works harder to achieve excellence is the more impressive one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedHienz Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 Very possible he is the best player in terms of sheer determination and hard work we will ever see. Fantastic example of putting in the effort and living the correct lifestyle which goes to show what can be achieved. Messi, brilliant and perhaps the most gifted player we will ever watch however has had a team year in year out which is built around him. Like others have said it would have been great to see him in another league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isawjonshaw Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 3 hours ago, Major Isewater said: Whilst I am not a big fan of this man’s persona I have to take my hat off to him for his professionalism and his capacity to keep performing, week in , week out when he could just rest on his laurels. From the BBC; ’ Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Juventus' record-extending ninth successive Serie A title 'to the fans' as they defeated Sampdoria in Turin. The forward scored his 31st league goal of the season from Miralem Pjanic's short free-kick and Federico Bernardeschi sealed the victory.‘ That really is some achievement. Indeed, not bad for a little winker! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperDziek Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 1 hour ago, 2015 said: I really do believe he may become the modern day Stanley Matthews, potentially playing until he is 45. An absolute freak Id go higher than that and say he’s a modern day Lee Matthews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowshed Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 26 minutes ago, LondonBristolian said: For me, the comparison between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo comes down to whether you admire pure talent or pure dedication. I'm being massively simplistic here, in that both are obviously ridiculously talented and ridiculously dedicated to their professions but Messi strikes me as someone who has been the best from the young age and has had a career based on that incredible talent whereas Ronaldo is someone who, as a talented teenager, worked relentlessly to improve and improve until he was the best in the world. I still remember when Ronaldo as at United, there was frequent discussion about whether Ronaldo or Rooney would go on to be the better player and Ronaldo went from being on a level where the comparison seemed valid to getting so good he blew Rooney, and everyone else bar Messi, completely out the water. It sort of comes down to the Karate Kid thing. Are you more impressed by Danny Le Russo, who starts doing karate and seems to have a natural gift for it, or Johnny Lawrence, who has obviously worked his entire life to be a winner? You're tempted to side with the talented underdog but I'd argue the one who works harder to achieve excellence is the more impressive one. Messi is an example of extreme nurture and nature. It is estimated he had achieved 5000 hours of training before being ten. His path leaving Argentina, using growth hormones, the relentless focus on developing muscle memory is an extreme of the extreme. A talent is here is being able to sustain the level of commitment, to continually find the grind interesting as a child to internalise the training. His parents are also special people. Their Sons development was on a level of intensity that virtually all parents would not tolerate or consider. Ronaldo also has a similar freakish application to improvement allied to natural physical abilities that were highly advantageous for football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Oil Services Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 3 hours ago, AshtonGreat said: Ronaldo has a magnificent record. He is indeed a machine. But I would still place Messi higher. He is by far the superior footballer, but CR has undoubtedly scored a lot of goals, over a long period of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Taylor Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 3 hours ago, Portland Bill said: Guess who was top goal scorer in La Liga this season at the age of 33! Easy when Ronaldo isn't playing in Spain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lrrr Posted July 27, 2020 Report Share Posted July 27, 2020 3 hours ago, Major Isewater said: I would like to have seen LM test himself in other leagues like Ronaldo has. Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players ever but he’s only done it in one country at one club which for me gives CR the edge. I never get this argument, we celebrate 1 club English players for their commitment and loyalty but Messi gets criticised for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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