Cruyff on Messi and Ronaldo: one speaks, the other thinks © EuroFootball.com

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".