Johann Cruyff didn't miss the opportunity to once again compare the two best players on the planet. Almost no one doubts that in the 2012 "Golden Ball" elections, "Barcelona" leader Lionel Messi and Madrid "Real" super star Cristiano Ronaldo will compete again, however, according to the Dutchman, these players are distinguished not only by playing style, but also by human qualities. "One talks, the other thinks. Everyone wants that award and will boast about receiving it. But such prizes are a subjective matter. It is usually received by the one who is universally and absolutely loved. Messi is a little one and what he does with his feet resembles that of a small child. It's incredible. He plays best in the center of the attack, not on the flank," Cruyff said during the presentation of his book "Football. My philosophy". - If you constantly attack and have gathered an attacking team, spaces are very small. That's when Messi's technical arsenal comes in most handy. The best footballers move the way Messi moves now, or the way Romario used to move". According to the former player and coach of the Catalan club, the current "Barcelona" scores many goals because all players do what they are told to do. "Nowadays many know how to score, but in 'Barça' the players first of all take care of their tasks on the field. The quality has reached such a level that it doesn't matter who will make that definitive strike," the Dutchman stated. Cruyff also compared Josep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova: "Pep was a great tactician. He and Tito are a bit different. Tito already has a great team, but he faces a very serious challenge - to try to outperform one who was already very good. He doesn't need to teach Messi how to play football, because Lionel is the best player. The most important thing is that he is happy and Vilanova copes excellently with his tasks here".
Cruyff on Messi and Ronaldo: one speaks, the other thinks
EURO 2024
UEFA Champions League 2024/2025
UEFA Europa league
UEFA Conference League
Premier League 2024/2025
German Bundesliga 2024/2025
Spain La Liga 2024/2025
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Italy Serie A 2024/2025
Latest football news
Ballon d`Or
Neymar reacted to Rodri's harsh comments about Vinicius
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Leaders of the championship claimed victories in France
German Bundesliga 2024/2025
H. Kane's 'hat-trick' secured another victory for Bayern
Spain La Liga 2024/2025
H. Flick was grateful to L. Messi for the nice words.
MLS
Miami 'Inter' has found a new coach
Premier League 2024/2025
Having signed a new contract, P. Guardiola sticks to his opinion: if the team is relegated, I will stay in charge.
O. Mingueza rampaging in 'Celtoja': I didn’t impress Xavi
Spain La Liga 2024/2025
L. Messi commented on Barcelona's game under H. Flick: this doesn't surprise me.
UEFA Nations League
UEFA Nations League draw: Portugal will start their title quest against Denmark
Premier League 2024/2025
Premier League clubs voted against Manchester City again
Football transfers
R. Amorim targets the first goal for Manchester United club.
Ligue 1 2024/2025
A. Hakimi signed a new contract with PSG.
R. Lewandowski revealed that he was close to moving to Man Utd
UEFA Champions League 2024/2025
J. Błaszczykowski talked about his joy when he retrieved a Champions League medal from the trash bin.
Premier League 2024/2025
Official: P. Guardiola has once again linked his future with Manchester City
Calculated massive economic benefit of Arsenal for the country
Furious Kosovo prepares to 'burn' UEFA
C. Ronaldo podcast: mysterious guest revealed shared advice
Premier League 2024/2025
R. James – injured again
Copa América
L. Messi 2024 Year
Premier League 2024/2025
R. Amorimo's priority - a new left-wing defender
Premier League 2024/2025
Tottenham filed an appeal regarding R. Bentancur's disqualification
Rodri: "Messi is the greatest footballer of all time"
Feeling L. Messi's influence: Two of his friends are vying to coach the Miami club