Ronaldo or Messi, Complete Athlete or Natural Ability

Ronaldo or Messi, that has been the argument that has erupted in recent seasons but just who is the supreme footballer?

The stats that the two accumulate are simply astonishing, since his time in Spain Ronaldo has bagged an incredible 76 goals in 73 appearances. He’s scored an equally impressive 30 in 85 appearances for the Portuguese national side and you would think it’s difficult to look past him. His searing pace and ability to take on any defender places him at the pinnacle of the game yet he only possesses one Fifa World Player of the Year trophy in his cabinet. The simple reason for this... Messi. The little Argentine embodies everything that Barcelona represents. His ball skills are second to no one, his runs from midfield are lethal and when his head is down he is impossible to tackle. With 132 goals to his name in just 187 appearances for the Spanish Kings, he has grown to become the brightest talent in World football.

Messi’s dominance on the club side cannot be questioned; he has played a huge hand in Barca’s development, winning trophy after trophy along the way, dragging La Liga out of the shadows of the Premier League. He is at the heart of their every success and is an influential member of Pep’s team. To put it frank he is integral part of possibly the greatest side to grace football. With 3 Champions League trophies and 5 La Liga titles to his name it’s easy to see why he is touted as the World’s best. But despite this, Ronaldo can compete with the Argentine’s stunning stats. In the EPL, he guided Manchester United to 3 League titles and only their 3^rd Champions League trophy 2008. He ignited the Premier League and during his stay in England he dominated. The EPL is a much more different challenge to La Liga and Cristiano has proved he can command any league in the World, something which Messi is yet to prove.    

The two so far cannot really be separated so what about on the International stage. Perhaps the most significant reason as to why Messi is yet to deserve the title of the greatest ever footballer. His performances for the Argentine national side have been unimpressive. In South Africa he was anything but his best and with only 18 goals to his International account its clear things haven’t clicked on the International scene. On the other side, Ronaldo has enjoyed a much more positive time playing for country. In 2004 he guided Portugal to the final of the European Championships and the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2006, a relative success considering they are ranked 8^th in the World. Despite this he also failed to turn up in South Africa making little impact as Portugal were eliminated by eventual winners Spain in the last 16. It would appear that both have failed to live up to their high expectations on the International stage so what is left to separate the two... their playing styles.

Ronaldo is quite simply the complete athlete. His genetic makeup is everything a manager would desire, pace, agility, strength, power, balance he has it all in his locker. He can shoot from almost anywhere on the pitch as his 40 yard thunderbolt for United against FC Porto proved. His freekick ability is almost unstoppable; just ask David James when he was bamboozled by one of Ronald’s signature freekicks. For 90 minutes the winger is mesmerising, his feet dance in and out of defenders with superb grace but he can finish with the power of a bull. He is at the heart of everything; he wants the ball constantly and produces consistent quality game after game. His one downfall is that he goes to ground far too easily and his frustration on the pitch often blights his performances. Messi on the other hand is the complete juxtaposition. At 5 ft 6 you would question his ability to hold his own on the pitch, he is minuscule in comparison to Ronaldo but what he does have is natural breathtaking ability. The forward is quick, quicker than any other player on the ball and his exquisite balance and composure is unmatched. He possesses the ability to glide past any player and scores from almost impossible position. What Messi has cannot be taught and this is what separates him from the rest of the World.     

The Floundering Future of English Football

For a number of years the Premier League has been touted as the most entertaining and exciting in World football, but with the recent rise of La Liga and the decline of the national side, the future looks bleak for the English game. In recent seasons the EPL has been graced with some of the greatest spectacles, helping to draw in over 70% of the total football audience with 650 million fans supporting one of the 20 teams.

Having witnessed the birth of global superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and David Beckham, the EPL has created a massive audience with games beamed around the World. There is no question that off the pitch English football still continues to reign supreme but on the field there is a definite change in the tide.

The Spanish game has undergone somewhat of a renaissance, enjoying success both on the International stage and at club level. The growing global dominance of Barcelona combined with re-emergence of the ‘Galacticos’ at Real Madrid has allowed Spanish football to become a much more attractive product leading to a dramatic rise in viewership. La Liga has stepped out of the shadows and offers its own exciting brand of football that has been able to attract superstars like, Ronaldo, Kaka, Messi, and Fabregas, giving it a new appeal that not only achieves success on the pitch but off it also.

Internationally, Spain became the envy of the World by achieving global supremacy; becoming World and European Champions in 2010 and 2008 with an unstoppable style of play unmatched by any other.

The ethos of a simple, attractive one touch passing game has been instilled at every level of Spanish football; from the youth right the way up to the senior squads and has given the Spanish game an identity that its European counterparts lack.

The dramatic decline of English football could not have been made more apparent than in South Africa as a disappointing England side tumbled out during the knockout stages. Capello’s men have since failed to impress during qualification for Euro 2012 and even at club level English sides have struggled in Europe.

Audience figures may suggest that all is well but if things on the pitch continue in the fashion they are then there could be a swing in favour of the Spanish game. Some of England’s biggest stars are beginning to age and the problem resides in the emphasis upon buying in foreign talent and not on the development of home grown youth, putting the future of the English game in jeopardy.

The Premier League is littered with foreign players and it is easy to see why the National team is struggling when it seems that England’s youth does not get a look in at club level.

There is no consistent or identifiable style to the English game anymore because of the abundance of foreign players and although this helps viewership it directly affects the quality of truly English football.

The future of English football lies within our youth and this season it appears Premier League clubs have realised this with the likes of Sturridge, Welbeck and Henderson, who have been given bigger roles so far.

This is a good start and even though off the pitch the English game still dominates, on it we are light-years behind Spain until we see a complete change in emphasis.  

The Haye Hype?

Time to prove your not just talk?

WBA World Heavyweight Champion David Haye has come to aide of the Heavyweight division in recent years but is he just talk?

He has without doubt reignited boxing fans passion for Heavyweight boxing with some explosive displays and a charisma that the division has been missing.

Since his move up from Cruiserweight in 2008, Haye has become a household name and following his impressive points victory over the man giant Nikolai Valuev in 2009, a champion also.

Now, in one of the most eagerly anticipated mega-fights since Floyd Mayweather’s showdown with Oscar De La Hoya, David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko will fight it out for the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts.

The Londoner has the perfect mix of power and speed but is yet to be tested against a fighter with the calibre of the Klitschko brothers and his continued trash talking could prove to be his downfall.

The unification fight, which takes on July 2^nd in Hamburg’s Imtech Arena, will no doubt be his toughest to date but will he have the fire power to back up his words?  

Well renowned for his mental games outside the ring, Haye appeared to be losing the psychological fight in the media after Wladimir went on the charm offensive.  

The Brit has bombarded the brothers with a string of insults and public disrespect in the past, with the latest coming after sporting a t-shirt depicting the decapitated torsos of the pair with their heads in each of his hands.

Wladimir reacted with distaste to his latest stunt and has threatened to delay knocking out of the Briton until the final round, claiming that ‘Haye hates me because he fears me’.

It is dangerous game for the Briton to play as trash talking ahead of the super-fight could so easily come back to kick him in the teeth.

Even if he wins the fight it will be undermined by his trash talk but if he loses it he will have face serious consequences in the media.

But is Haye just talk?

Since arriving on the Heavyweight scene in 2008 he has pronounced himself the saviour of the division with his ferocious punching power and glamour-boy looks.

It is clear he possesses a speed that is unmatched in the division but the experience and potentially unstoppable right hand of Wladimir could prove too much.

The Hayemaker can threaten all day long but the Ukrainian is the longest reigning champion in Heavyweight history and his ability to hurt opponents, particularly in the later rounds, support the perception that he is the favourite.

However, the trash talk could prove to be a good tactic as he attempts to get the ‘Ice Man’ to fight with a temper that could be the vital chink in his armour.

Wladimir is an intelligent man but if he can get him to take his eye off the ball it could swing the fight in his favour.

It is dangerous game to play and right now it is too close to call, but it is a fight that puts boxing on the map and that is not a bad thing, trash talk or not. 

Will Murray Turn Potential Into Titles?

Physical Strength but what about Mental Strength?

British No.1 Andy Murray crashed out of yet another Grand Slam following semi-final defeat to Rafael Nadal at the French Open

The Scot had been plagued by a troublesome ankle injury sustained against Michael Berrer in the third round but battled on to reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Murray was eventually beaten convincingly by the ‘Clay Court King’ Nadal and yet again that allusive Grand Slam title evades the Scot.

Questions have to be raised as to whether the World No.4 has the mentality to turn his potential into titles.

There is no question that the 24 year-old possesses the weapons in his armoury to become the first Brit since Fred Perry to win a Grand Slam, but what is he missing?   

Murray first came onto the radar at the tender age of 18 following his third round success at Wimbledon in 2005 and it was clear even then he had great potential.

He played with real venom and his never say die attitude allowed for some impressive displays before eventually being defeated by former champion David Nalbandian.

The Scot was viewed as a breath of fresh air for British Tennis following the disappointment of Tim Henman but he would have to be nurtured correctly in order to fulfil his potential.

Four years later and Murray reached his highest World ranking climbing to No.2 and it was expected that Murray would push on to claim a Grand Slam.

Two years on and many injuries later the World No.2 soon slipped to No.4 in the World and although widely recognised as an almost complete player, his potential was still yet develop into Grand Slam success.

So what do the likes of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have that Murray doesn’t?  

On paper he possess all the skills necessary to succeed at the highest level but what separates him from the rest is his poor on court mentality.

Very rarely will you see the likes of Federer or Nadal complaining to their box or screaming obscenities on the court.

Very rarely would you see these players vent their frustration and sulk on court and that is the key difference.

At an early age commentators would say that he would mature and he would eliminate these demons from his game with age but at 24 his emotions still take control of his game.

His mentality could be as a result of a career plagued by injury or the momentous pressure put on him to win a Grand Slam.

Whatever the reason, I am under the impression that in order to eradicate his emotional demons he must have the right coach behind him.

It is imperative that he obtains a coach who is not in it for the money and is willing to be firm with him to correct his current attitude on the court. 

It could be argued that few want to mess with British Tennis’ most prized possession but in order for him to take his game to the next level he needs stability and a strict coach.

If Murray is able to overcome this problem then there is no doubt that his time will come but the issue needs resolving sooner, rather than later.

With Wimbledon fast approaching, expectations will no doubt be high following his displays in Roland Garros, but will it be his time?

The Trials and Tribulations of the English Premier League

What will it take?

The curtains have closed on yet another exhilarating Premier League show but what will it take for the newly promoted sides to stay up?

2010-11 has been somewhat of a breath of fresh air for English football, with a season full of drama and unpredictability. 

This year’s newly promoted sides played a huge part in this and producing some shock results before eventually falling away towards the back end of the season.

On May 22nd 2010 Blackpool defeated Cardiff City in the Championship play-offs to earn their place in England's top flight and it’s safe to say that they have provided some top class entertainment this season.

Manager Ian Holloway vowed at the start of the year that his team would be an all out attacking side and the Tangerine army did not fail to produce the goods. 

Historic victories over Spurs and Liverpool will surely be the highlight of a turbulent year for Ollie and his men but after a promising start inexperience proved critical.

The final day of the season optimised what the Pool embodied as they dared to dream going 2-1 up against United only to be pegged back and comfortably beaten 4-2.

The result is remarkably similar to that of their season as a whole as they started off well but fell away at the end.

Defensive lapses proved fatal and just like West Brom in the 08/09 season their attacking prowess was not enough.

Newly promoted Newcastle and West Brom stayed up comfortably and the difference between them and Blackpool was experience of being in the top flight. 

QPR, Norwich and Swansea are all largely inexperienced when it comes to the modern day Premiership, so what will it take for them to stay up?

QPR are perhaps a very similar side to Blackpool in that their attacking qualities proved hugely beneficial in their promotion but if they are to stay up, Stephen Warnock will have to keep hold of star man Adel Taarrabt and spend wisely in other areas.

Defence is a clear starting point; a major issue that promoted sides have faced in the past few seasons is their lack of organisation and experience at the back.

I feel Warnock will need to invest in a new centre back partnership and attempt to find the balance of Premier League experience with pace. 

An astute signing would be West Ham's Matty Upson, the former England International would be a rock at the back and with his Premier League experience he has the potential to fit the bill. 

Warnock will have to find the right balance within his side as the majority of his players will never have faced the trials and tribulations of the Premiership.

That said Norwich and Swansea are in fairly similar positions but perhaps without the same sort of backing QPR have.

I feel Paul Lambert will have to buy a prolific striker in order to keep his side up next season.

Simeon Jackson and Grant Holt managed to score 35 goals between them this season but Norwich will have to add more fire power if they’re going to stay up.

After losing out on departing Watford forward Danny Graham to Swansea the Canaries will have to look elsewhere.

If they could prize away Reading's star striker Shane Long, he would be the perfect forward to compliment and compete with their current strikers and a signing like his could prove pivotal in their survival bid.

However, I think the quality of the Premier League could be too much for Swansea and this has meant that they are the bookies favourites to go down.

The Swans last gained promotion to the top flight in 1983 and their lack of experience combined with their little financial backing will send them back to the Championship.

Manager Brendan Rogers and his side face a mammoth challenge come August and I feel the Premiership will prove too much for them.

Next season will be one of the most exciting and hotly contested for many years to come so will I be proved right or wrong?   

Over and Out

Despair 

The Premier League came to a fitting dramatic close as Birmingham, Blackpool and West Ham fell through the trap door. 

A turbulent season full of highs and lows was typified by an exhausting final day as the position at the bottom changed on 14 occasions. 

Wigan, Blackburn and Wolves all survived the drop as one of the most scintillating relegation battles came to an end.

Manchester United sealed their fate as England's most successful side by lifting their 19th Premier League title after a comfortable 4-2 win over Blackpool at Old Trafford. 

However, English football could have perhaps seen the last of Carlo Ancelotti as he became the 6th manager under owner Roman Ambrovich to be sacked following their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Everton.

Neighbours Liverpool failed to complete their remarkable turnaround to obtain a Europa League spot as they were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa.

Although, the result made little difference as Spurs broke Birmingham City hearts to earn a 2-1 win, thanks to a last minute winner from Pavlyuchenko.

In the battle for survival Blackburn pipped Wolves to a 3-2 victory at Molineux to secure their safety and in spite of their defeat the Wanderers were able to hang on in England's top division for another year.

Departing West Ham ended their season in typical fashion as they were battered 3-0 by Sunderland at Upton Park.

Another trophyless season for Arsenal ended in a 2-2 draw against Fulham as manager Arsene Wenger vowed to make changes to his squad in the summer. 

In their first season back in the top flight Newcastle were held to a 3-3 draw with West Brom after they let a three goal lead slip at St. James Park. 

The fight for 3rd spot was in the end comfortably taken by Man City after they defeated Bolton 2-0 as manager Mancini expressed his determination to keep hold of Carlos Tevez. 

What is the Future of English Football?

Steven Gerrard in 2005

For a number of years the Premier League has been touted as the most entertaining football league in the World, but with the recent rise of La Liga and the decline of English dominance in Europe, where is English football heading? 

Over the years, the Premier League has been graced with footballs finest, with the likes of global superstars, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, helping to produce some of the greatest spectacles in World football.

At club level, England has dominated World football with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all succeeding in Europe's biggest club competition, the Champions League.

For the last six years, we have seen English sides reign supreme in Europe, with Liverpool winning the trophy in 2005 and the first all-English final in 2008 between Manchester United and Chelsea.

However, in recent seasons, the Spanish equivalent of the Premier League, La Liga has seen a massive growth in popularity following the re-emergence of giants Real Madrid and the growing supremacy of Barcelona.

La Liga has become a much more competitive and exciting league to watch with the arrivals of superstars like, Ronaldo and Kaka, giving it a new edge with easy on the eye football.

On the International front, Spain became the envy of the World after being crowned European Champions in 2008 and ending their years of hurt to win the World Cup in 2010.

Whilst Spanish football enjoys a renaissance, the sudden decline of English football could not have been more apparent than during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as a troubled England side tumbled out during the knockout stages.

This was combined with the added disappointment that there were no English representatives in the Champions League final.

As English football dwindles on an International and club front the question must be asked what can be done to catch up to the excellence of Spanish football?

The FA appears to be dealing with the problem head on with new regulations in place this season to encourage home grown talent and transfer rules have been put in place to decrease foreign influence on the Premier League.

Whether these changes have a positive effect remains to be seen, but personally English football will reign supreme again!

Torres Saga Rumbles On

Fan's Favourite

Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres produced one of the biggest shocks of the season after he handed in a written transfer request last night.

Just hours after the Merseyside outfit announced they had reached an agreement with Ajax for Uruguayan starlet Luis Suarez, the Spaniard signalled his intentions to leave Anfield.

An offer believed to be in the region of £35-40 million was rejected on Friday afternoon from rivals Chelsea and following his transfer request a statement from the club's website said: ''Fernando Torres submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool.

'Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement'

Torres, who has endured a troublesome season, looked to be returning to form and fitness under new manager Kenny Daglish but appears to have set his mind on move away from Anfield.

Reds boss Daglish will face a tough test persuading the Spanish International to stay but will hope to hold out, at least until the summer.

However, the imminent arrival of Suarez will be a massive coup for his side as they look to get their season back on track.

You can see Liverpool's potential new signing on Wednesday as they face Stoke at Anfield but the real question is will he be partnered by Torres?

Premier League Round-Up

Berba completing his rout 

This weekend has provided us with some brilliant spectacles as the race for the Premier League Title hots up and the battle to stay up rages on.


Manchester United and Arsenal particularly impressed this weekend with some impressive displays and Liverpool roared past a weak Wolves side to give Kenny Daglish his first win as Reds manager but Manchester City fell to a Darren Bent inspired Aston Villa. 


United produced a fine result at Old Trafford by dismantling Birmingham City 5-0, as Dimirtar Berbatov capped a stunning display with his third hat-trick of the season.


Sir Alex's side, who are still unbeaten this season, breezed past their opponents who offered nothing in front of goal and continue to languish dangerously above the relegation zone.


The return of Robin Van Persie has given Arsenal a new lease of life as he grabbed a hat-trick, helping his side climb to second with a 3-0 demolition of a woeful Wigan side. 


Wigan have keeper Ali Al Habsi to thank for keeping the score to 3-0 after the Gunners scuppered numerous chances, including a penalty miss from RVP.


Liverpool recorded their first victory of the season under Kenny Daglish, with an excellent 3-0 display at Molineux.


Spanish starlet Fernando Torres scored two vital goals has he slowly returns to form but Raul Meireles stole the show with a glorious 25-yard volley.


24 million pound signing Darren Bent marked his first appearance in a Villa shirt with the match-winner against a miss-firing Manchester City who drop to third in the table.


City bombarded Villa with a continuous assault in the second half but held on to ease the growing pressure on  manager Gerrard Houllier. 

Final Days For Favre

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has called an end to his glittering NFL career by filing for retirement.


The 41-year old is one of the industries most respected and decorated players, with a career spanning just less than two decades.


After falling to defeat in his last game against the Detroit Lions Favre stated: 'I know it's time and that's OK. It is. I hold no regrets, and I can't think of too many players off hand that can walk away and say that.'


Favre, who's called an end to his career twice before, insisted that he would not be reversing this decision following the Vikings failure to reach the post-season-play-offs.


A three time winner of the NFL's MVP award, Favre has succeeded in every aspect of the sport, smashing records along the way. 


As well as being regarded as one of the most influential quarterbacks to grace the NFL, Favre holds most major records with the highest passing yards, career touchdowns and wins.


The former Green Bay Packer encapsulates all that is good about American Football, with a glowing personality that earned him the respect of his colleges and everyone involved with the sport.


Minnesota will be keeping a close eye on this years draft picks as they search to replace the legend that is Brett Favre. 

Derby Day Blues For Daglish

Dirk Kuyt's Equalising Penalty 

Kenny Daglish made his Anfield return in dramatic fashion yesterday, as his side earned a vital point, playing out a pulsating 2-2 draw with fierce neighbours Everton. 


The game was all set up for a fairytale return for the 'King' as the home side dominated first half proceedings only for a frantic second half to diminish the red's chances of victory.


However, it was Everton who took to the occasion and looked dangerous in the early exchanges with neat passing interchanges. 


Liverpool, who were without Captain Steven Gerrard and influential defender Jamie Carragher, relied on the talents of their out of form forward Fernando Torres, who appeared to be in the kind of mood that has brought him 63 goals in 99 Premier League games. 


It did not take long for the Spaniard to make his mark on the game with a typical piece of Torres brilliance. 


In the 16th minute he intelligently anticipated the bouncing ball to race past defender Sylvain Distin and sharply twist past his defensive partner John Heintinga, only to see his rasping shot crash against the post. 


Daglish's side had a firm grip on the game and didn't appear to be the same team that has had a turbulent season.


Eventually, they made their pressure count as Raul Meireles smashed home from just inside the box to send the Anfield crowd into raptures. 


Eyebrows have been raised recently at the Manager's decision to play Glen Johnson out of position, however, his decision to play the England International left back was proved correct as he played a vital hand in the goal.


After cutting inside he played an accurate ball to the far post which was met brilliantly by the head of Dirk Kuyt but his effort rebounded off keeper Tim Howard, who quickly rose to his feet to save the Dutchman's follow up.


Howard must have thought his work done, only for the ball to drop on the edge of the box to Meireles, who gracefully powered the ball into the back of the net with a swerving effort. 


Meireles was having one of his best games in a red shirt and could of grabbed a second if it were not for the out stretched finger tips of Howard minutes later. 


Half-time sharply arrived and not only brought a change in personal, with the ill Daniel Agger being replaced by Sotirios Kyrgiakos, but also in momentum.


Just 42 seconds into the restart Everton equalised as Distin evaded Martin Skrtel to head home past Pepe Reina and silence the Anfield faithful. 


Liverpool were on the ropes as Everton took charge of the game and just 6 minutes later they edged ahead through Jermaine Beckford, who's curling effort, flew past the outstretched Reina.


Although, protests followed as referee Phil Dowd allowed play to continue after youngster Martin Kelly was sent crashing to the ground following a collision with Anichebe, during the build up. 


But just as Everton headed to their first double over their Merseyside rivals since the days of Joe Fagan, Howard bundled Red's winger Maxi to concede a penalty.


In the absence of Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt stepped up in front of the Kop to calmly slot the penalty to the left of Howard and ease some of the pressure on him and his team-mates.


Daglish and his side earned a vital point and he will hope that this result, along with the growing confidence of Torres, will allow them to push on and banish any unthinkable thoughts of relegation.