Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: Who'll Rule in La Liga Next Season?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo form one the greatest rivalries and sub-plots in world football today.  The enigma's of their respective sides, scorers of simply obscene goals and record breakers to boot.  Since Ronaldo swapped Manchester for Madrid in 2009 the footballing world have been obsessed with comparing the two.

It's human nature.

Who is the best goal scorer? Who should win the next Ballon d'or? And so on and so forth.

The Portuguese hit-man secured his first La Liga title last term, with Jose Mourinho stealing the edge on his old employers who have welcomed Tito Vilanova into the managerial helm after Pep Guardiola stepped aside.

Of the two biggest sides in football today though, who will steal the show in La Liga next season?

Stats

Let's start by establishing the story of the last three seasons, which culminated in the Barcelona Monopoly being broken as their bitter rivals became the first team to ever break the 100-point barrier.

The Argentine so far winning the La Liga title battle 2-1 though.

In terms of goals and assists it is also Messi that comes out on top, outscoring Ronaldo 115-112 since the 2009/10 season and assisting 43 goals compared to 29.

Last season alone the pair both broke the all time La Liga scoring record, a phenomenal achievement in itself.  But it was again the Barcelona man who outscored his Real Madrid counterpart 50 to 46, securing the Pichichi Trophy, and got more assists with 15 against 12, in one game less.

Verdict

Many attributes between the pair are remarkably similar, but there are of course some crucial differences.

Ronaldo is undoubtedly the more physical player and has more strength and tricks, but while Messi concedes fewer tricks his tremendous ball control is cut above anyone worldwide.  In addition he is far more robust under the challenge, has a better temperament and is a much better team player.

Ronaldo is the machine and Messi is the magician, essential cogs from which their sides revolve.

Crucially though. it is the Argentine that exerts more influence, in more games for longer, and herein lies the decision.

Henry the returning hero

Henry netting last night winner against Leeds United

If the excitement surrounding the return of a hero hadn't already been stirred up enough, the antics of last night have certainly whipped a furore around the Emirates.  The sight of Thierry Henry netting a 78th minute winner just ten minutes after taking to the field has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.  Well, all except a small pocket of Yorkshire where thousands thought their team were to gain a reply aginst Arsenal for the second season running.

Already immortalised outside the stadium of his beloved club, the Frenchman's celebration exuded the sheer delight of scoring on his second debut.  Arsene Wenger summed up the situation saying:  "He is a special player, he was already a legend here and he just added a bit more to the whole story."

While Henry himself remarked:  "I came back from holiday 15 days ago. I never thought I was going to play for Arsenal again or score a winner. "I don't know what to say. I love the club and I hope I can do more.
"I hope it won't be the last one. The feeling I had when I scored was amazing.
"I rejoined the club as a fan; before I wasn't. 
"Scoring a goal when you support the team, now I know how some of the guys who played for Liverpool or Man United or Chelsea felt when they scored a goal for the club they support."

Celebrating for New York Red Bulls

Doubts were raised when the news inevitably broke.  Weren't their more appropraite younger options available who would be a benefit for the longer term, and how would so many of the squad cope playing with someone they openly admit is a hero.  All that though has already been dispelled, and Simon Garyson's remark that it was "written in the stars" for Henry to grab the winner summing up the occasion.

The way in which he left in 2007 is now well and truly forgotten, when rumors of squad fall outs led to his desire to move on to Barcelona.  His 227th goal in 371 appearances, including 12 in 12 against Leeds, is surely going to be added to during his two month loan spell from New York Red Bulls.

Whatever rollercoaster is ahead during this stint, it will be a pleasure to watch a master at work at a club which will forever be in his heart.

England and Spain primed for battle

A huge test awaits England at Wembley this Saturday when World and European Champions Spain take to the hallowed turf.  Both squads have now been announced, with it being the home side who have caused the most talking points.

The biggest of which has caused consternation throughout the blue side of Manchester and beyond, and concerns Micah Richards.  Manchester City's right-back has been in red hot form this season, putting in a number of eye catching displays but not it seems to Fabio Capello.  Glen Johnson returns, while Phil Jones, who has been operating in that position for Richards cross city rivals Manchester United, is also included as is Tottenham full back Kyle Walker.  Following the announcement Richards took to twitter to voice his feelings saying "Well well well!!!! Disappointed is an understatement!!," Before refusing to spit his dummy and vow to work harder, later tweeting "Oh well better look next time! Roll the sleeves up and work harder!"  Phone in's up and down the country have been inundated with baffled fans, while Richard's ex-City team mate Joey Barton also took to twitter to voice his views, adding "Don't understand Eng Squad. No Newcastle players?? No Micah Richards?? Surely he has to be Man City 5 pts clear, MoM at Old T and skipper??"

With England seemingly going through a period of transition, surely it would have made sense to try out some new faces, or those that haven't featured for a while, ahead of next years European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.  This isn't to say there aren't new faces in the squad, Jack Rodwell has been promoted from the under-21s and while Daniel Sturridge could also earn his first cap, while Gabriel Agbonlahor is also to be given a chance to shine.  Richards however has been one of the stand out performers in this seasons Premier League, and it does very much seem to be a baffling absence.

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll's omission on the other hand is less puzzling.  The £35m forward is struggling to live up to his billing at Anfield, and the chance missed at the weekend, when hitting the bar, and a gilt edged headed chance he put wide against Norwich City have probably hampered his claim.  It may be a new regime on the red half of Merseyside, but Carroll very much needs to start firing if he is to live up to the hefty price tag Kenny Dalglish splashed out to bring him to the club during the January transfer window.

Spain have announced a strong squad for the match, and have included the bulk of the players that helped the side to their Euro and World Cup triumphs.  Four Premier league players could potentially feature, while over half the squad is made up of players from the nations big two clubs of Real Madrid and Barcelona.  Vicente Del Bosque's world beaters will no doubt head in as favourites, a tag you can't argue with, and barring a tremendous effort from The Three Lions, will prove to be far too strong.

England squad in full:

Joe Hart (Man City), Scott Carson (Bursaspor), David Stockdale (Ipswich); Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Gary Cahill (Bolton), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham); Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Adam Johnson (Man City), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal); Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Bobby Zamora (Fulham), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd)

Spain squad in full:

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona); Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Valencia), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Nacho Monreal (Malaga); Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Malaga), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona); David Villa (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Juan Mata (Chelsea), Jesus Navas (Sevilla)

Future Stars - Erik Lamela

In just a few short months Erik Lamela has become an integral part of the River Plate side, and has become a target for top clubs all over Europe.

Erik who? You may ask, but this news certainly isn't a surprise to Barcelona. The Spanish giants tried to sign the midfielder at just 12 years of age, offering large sums of money and gifts to tempt the youngsters family. But when the then president of River, Jose Maria Aguilar, made similar promises the decision was made to stay in Argentina. Remember the Argentine giants aren't nicknamed Los Millionarios for nothing.

Equally adept in central midfield, on the wings or in the hole behind the striker his flexibility is a real asset. It is perhaps the latter where he excels most. Here Lamela's creativity can be brought to the fore in spectacular style, while his cleverly weighted passes can no doubt set up plenty of chances. In addition given space he can unleash some left footed thunderbolts. You won't be surprised to hear that Lamela is another on the long line to be labelled 'the next Lionel Messi.'

It is surely just a matter of time before one of latest young Argentine prodigies makes his way to Europe. With a whole host of clubs already clamouring for his signature. Whoever does clinch the signing will no doubt be on to a winner, but a move too soon could perhaps do more harm than good. Developing like he has been in Argentina could just be the best thing...for now at least.

United victory could have huge consequences

Yesterday's victory for Manchester United over Chelsea could have a big rippling effect on both sides. The Londoners must now be resigned to a season without a single trophy making it's way into the Stamford Bridge cabinet. A scenario that over the last few weeks we have learned won't please big spending owner Roman Abramovich one bit. Carlo Ancelotti could be on his last legs, despite last seasons double, and a summer of huge spending could be on the cards. Despite January's £70m+ spree.

In the northwest however, Manchester United are on the verge of greatness. Barring a huge collapse Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved his goal with a 19th league title, knocking neighbours and rivals Liverpool off that perch. Something Red Devils fans were ecstatic about as the exited Old Trafford following that 2-1 win.

Despite this massive achievement though, the biggest test is still to come. On Saturday May 28th at Wembley they will come up against the side thought to be the best in the world, Barcelona. A team who are just one point away from securing another league title themselves, and a team for whom Lionel Messi hasn't stopped scoring all season long. Pep Guardiola has led the praise for the soon to be English Champions, but knows he faces one hell of a challenge. If they go into the game fearing the Spaniards United will be obliterated, however if they take the game to them and give no space a double can certainly be achieved.

And after becoming the side to win England's top flight the most times what could be next record for Fergie to try and topple. Well adding a fourth European cup would put them one behind Liverpool's record haul. Now that would rub salt into the wounds and would delight Fergie no end. I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

Gareth Bale - simply superb!

It is often a difficult task in sport, to find an Englishman who is jealous of anything to do with their neighbours.

However 21-year-old flying winger Gareth Bale is proving to be an exception, and after another storming display people up and down England are declaring "if only he was English."

His Premier League form has been excellent so far this season, but it is the last two European games that have put him on the radar of Europe's elite.

In Maicon Inter Milan have one of the best right back in the business, Bale though has made him look pedestrian for 180 minutes of football.

As if a tremendous second half hat-trick in the San Siro wasn't enough, he laid on two goals last night as well as a number of other chances.

Is their anything that he can't do?

He can help out in defence, run at defenders and skin them easily, take dead balls, cross, shoot pretty much all with the same effectiveness.

However with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan all rumoured to be interested, Spurs will have to do everything they can to keep hold of the Welsh winger.

Not too far in the past Spurs were willing to get rid of Bale due to poor performances, but they have stuck by him and look at the effects.

Lets just hope he realises this and does seek pastures new on the continent.

Chaos at Manchester United!

Fourth place in the league is not what was expected by fans on the red half of Manchester prior to this seasons big kick off, but that is just where they find themselves.

Although still unbeaten and level on points with Arsenal, everyone connected with the club will be worried about how they just keep on throwing away leads.

Fulham, Everton and West Bromwich Albion have all recovered from going behind, while Liverpool also came from two down but couldn't hold on and Bolton Wanderers also put the frighteners on them by twice going ahead.

For a team and set of fans well used to winning this just isn't good enough.

And the rumours surrounding Wayne Rooney don't help at all.

It is looking increasingly likely that the former Everton hitman could well be on his way, sooner or later.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are possible destinations, with Chelsea and Manchester City also in the frame as it is known he is not keen on a move abroad.

The problems are centred round Rooney's new contract, which he is now demanding £200,000 a week, and the ankle injuries or lack of which have led to him being dropped lately.

Although it is no secret that he is disturbingly out of form, cashing in isn't an options for the club if they are to remain challengers on all fronts.

They still haven't recovered from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, so another prized asset going could be too much.

Especially if he just drifts across the city and joins the blue half of Manchester, who would certainly match his wage demands.

Added to the twist is the hype surrounding Sir Alex Ferguson, who could also leave the club if you believe such things.

This however seems way wide of the mark, after all he hasn't fully knocked Liverpool of their perch yet.

They are still clinging their by the skin if their teeth.

United will no doubt recover from this and be their by the end of the season challenging for honours.

Fergie will no doubt steer his ship through these choppy waters and emerge stronger than ever once more.

Javier Mascherano and the modern day footballing mercenary!

In the era of no loyalty within our elite level footballers, this attitude is summed up most by non other than Javier Mascherano.

While at Argentinian side River Plate and then Brazilians Corinthians, Mascherano built up quite a reputation not just in South America but around the world.

He was an exciting young talent who chased and hassled the ball carrier tremendously, he was tipped for Europe's best clubs in a matter of years.

However after a shock switch to West Ham United along with compatriot Carlos Tevez he quickly saw he first team opportunities cut short.

After just half a season though and five appearances, Rafael Benitez brought him to Anfield assured he could rebuild his career.

The fans instantly took to the gritty ball winner, and he became a favourite in the terraces.

Now nearing a century of appearances on Merseyside, it seems his time at Liverpool is numbered.

While he should be grateful to Benitez for the 'risk' he made in buying the Argentine, he should be appreciate the club and power brokers who also took the risk and the fans who have took him into their heart.

His refusal to play in the recent defeat to Manchester City is a ludicrous way to act towards the club and fans who are STILL paying his wages despite this refusal.

It is also worth pointing out that Liverpool have turned him into Captain of his country, a situation that seemed highly unlikely during the tumultuous time at West Ham.

Manager Roy Hodgson has stated if no bid matches the clubs valuation, then he could stay.

However the fluttering eye lashed at Barcelona which started last summer are still ongoing, and with Inter Milan now in the race if he does stay it could have a hugely detrimental effect on morale.

Their now seem to be a distinct lack, if any at all, of one club men.

A quick buck among players seems to be the priority and player 'rule' the trend at clubs.

All this needless flirting!

Is there anyone else out what thinks a final decision should be made about the sale of Cesc Fabregas?

I understand some people may point to the fact there has been other transfer sagas that have gone on for longer, think Gareth Barry and Cristiano Ronaldo, but this eclipses them all.

In the other two cases neither player made such a statement to the leave the club, although i know they both stated publicly on a few occasions.

But Fabregas seems to be stating it weekly, with a debatable plea to stay at Arsenal made a few weeks ago seemingly throwing his desires into disarray.

The fact is he has grown up a Barcelona fan, I presume you knew the other club in question, and it is inevitable he will leave to go back to Catalonia.

He is a self confessed fan of the Spanish Champions, constantly wishing them to do well and no doubt deep down wishing he was there himself.

Arsenal's, or Arsene Wenger's, refusal to invest heavily in the transfer market has no doubt sealed his fate.

The years of no success could be too much to handle for the youngster, despite his love of London and the Emirates based side.

It is at times unbelievable to believe that Fabregas is just 23 years of age, after so many years of being the lynchpin in the Gunners side.

But this incessnant flirting needs to come to an end sooner rather than later.

The constant public desires to stay far outnumber the one he made to stay at the club, while the latest debacle at the Spanish World Cup celebrations should be the final nail in the coffin.

'Forced' to don a Barcelona shirt, Liverpool 'keeper Pepe Reina (another ex-Barcelona player) then hailed him "the future of Barcelona".

These fluttering eye lashes aren't just all one way, as Arsenal seem to be kidding themselves into believing.

If sold now it would benefit both sides.

Barcelona would be getting the player they consider one of there own, after growing up in the much lauded Barca academy.

While Arsenal would have plenty of cash to re-invest in a squad that looks some way off the pace.

I know selling the best player would be largely criticised, however look what happened after the sale of Theirry Henry.

If Wenger could work that magic again, while splashing the cash Arsenal could find themselves in with a very real shout of the Premiership title.

The final looms!

The pinnacle of world football is almost upon us, with Spain and Holland all but ready to contest the 2010 World Cup final.

South Africa has thrown a fantastic football party, and one of world top nations is about to shed it's 'underachievers' tag.

Holland have not lost a game at this years tournament, and this coupled with the fact they also went unbeaten during qualifying makes them a daunting proposition.

Some said they breezed through a mediocre qualifying phase, but they have answered all their critics as they stand on the brink of greatness.

Largely hailed as the best side not to win the World Cup, this current crop of Dutch stars could etch their names on the record list for many years to come.

Key to success are of course the fearsome duo of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, the latter of which is an unlikey joint top scorer.

Against Brazil he bagged both goals, as Holland showed great grit and determination to come from behind against the side who many tipped to go all the way this year.

Uruguay were pushed asisde, with a stern defence also showing they can get on the score sheet as Giovanni Van Bronkhorst smashed in a stunner.

Also if Gregory Van Der Wiel and Nigel De Jong are restored to the line up, they will field shirt numbers 1-11.

The group phase was a pushover as were the qualifying and last 16 stages, could they be about to lift their first World Cup.

Spain on the other hand are the pinnacle of beautiful passing football.

With a large crop of Barcelona players, seven of which started the semi-final against Germany, this hardly suprising.

David Villa is once again topping the scoring charts, along with Sneijder, with Andres Iniesta and either Pedro or the mis-firing Fernando Torres expected to sit just behind him in a three pronged attack.

Iker Casillas has put som early dodgy performances behind him, with his defence looking stronger with each passing game.

From the midfield Xavi is no doubt the key man.

He touched the ball every 46 seconds in the semi, and along with Xabi Alonso the pair form a fearsome duo with a wide array of passing ability.

After defeat to Switzerland in the first game Spain have come back stronger, and with them being widely fancied for the trophy before the tournament they could become the first side in history to win the Euro's and then the World Cup.

Beside all the debate one thing is for certain, this year will be the first time a European side has won the World Cup outside of Europe.

Before that happens though their is the little matter of the third/fourth placed play off.

Uruguay haven't beaten a European side in their last 14 attempts, since defeat to germany at the same stage in 1970.

It should be an excting conclusion, to the best sports event in world sport.