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.

Future Stars - Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva

This is a player that we have been hearing a lot about recently, with the youngster seemingly being linked to every club in Europe never mind just the Premier League.  Lucas, or Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva to give him his full name, is no doubt an incredibly talented footballer which is emphasised by the huge price that is on his head.

Lucas started his career at Brazlian giants Corinthians, only managing three years in their youth set up however before an early move of clubs ensued.  Sao Paulo signed up the enigmatic midfielder, and he has since gone from strength to strength.

He stepped up to the first team in 2010 and made his debut in September of the same year, under the name 'Marcelinho.'  This was due to the fact he attended Marcelinho Carioca's football school, but he quickly went back on this and informed of his intention to be called Lucas.

Lucas (right) with fellow starlet Neymar

From an early age it was clear he was something special, especially when his club captain Rogerio Ceni announced his importance to the club.  In addition to stating the future impact that Lucas could have, Ceni also announced Lucas could possess such talent that he could be the best since Kaka to come through the ranks at Sao Paulo.

Last year the international scene beckoned, where he has now hit double figures in appearances and could be crucial to any future success.

It is not known what the future holds for Lucas, with Brazilian football going through somewhat of a renaissance at the moment.  Past greats are returning and young stars seem to want to stay, but Europe will surely be on the agenda at some point.

His club side, it is said, have placed a £70m price on his head, a figure that could perhaps be deterring sides at the moment.  Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been muted amongst others, and when the time does come he will surely move for big bucks but for a fee significantly less than that mentioned.

Lucas could become a crucial figure at any of the continents biggest clubs, whilst also being key to his nations World Cup hopes on home soil in 2014.

Transfer flops - Jonathan Woodgate

Sports Portal hopes all it's readers had a lovely festive season, and apologises for the lack of posts.  You see, we like to gorge ourselves too.  But we are back and ready to crack on, with another in our transfer flops series.

When Real Madrid decided to splash out on English centre back Jonathan Woodgate, it kick started a chain of events that swayed the fine line between horrendously tragic and outright hilarious.  After possibly the worst debut one could imagine things didn't exactly get better, double figures of appearances was just reached, injuries reared their ugly head and an unwanted award was attained.  However before we delve deeper, let's see how his career went before the big move to La Liga.

After beginning his career at hometown club Middlesbrough, a teenage Woodgate was quickly on the move to Yorkshire and Leeds United in 1996 after disagreements between his family and the club.  Here it took two years to crack into the first team, where it really began to take off.  During his five years at the club he became a mainstay of the defence, being described as the 'jewel in the crown.'  But as the clubs terrible financial predicament came to light Peter Risdale cashed in, much to the dismay of the fans who also saw Terry Venebles follow out of the exit door.

Being paraded by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

Newcastle United was his next destination, where a series of stunning displays established Woodgate as a firm favourite amongst the Toon Army.  However this is where the start of the problems began, with a serious injury ending his 2003/04 Premier League season early.

This is where the foray onto the continent materialised, with Real Madrid spending over £13m for a player that was injured.  Woodgate spent his entire first season at the Bernabeu sidelined, and had to wait until September 2005 to finally take to the pitch in the resplendent white synonymous of the club.  Though it didn't exactly go to plan, with an own goal followed by a sending off.  After briefly, and I mean briefly, flirting with success it was soon snatched away with another injury.  Since his departure, users of Spanish daily Marca voted him the worst football signing ever with 37.11% going to the Englishman.

It was back home in the truest sense of the word for Woodgate, where a successful year long loan at Middlesbrough was turned into a £7m move ahead of the 2007/08 Premiership season.  During the season though more injury troubles reared their head, with David Wheater taking his place and retaining it, meaning no way back.  Due to this it meant another move was on the cards, this time to White Hart Lane.

Woodgate upon signing for Stoke City

Initially life at Tottenham Hotspur seemed to suit Woodgate, where he settled in and was even handed the captaincy a few months after signing.  But once again injuries took their toll, and his appearances dwindled due to a virtual standstill.  After a lot of persistence Harry Redknapp decided to cut the clubs losses, after the player apparently rejected a pay as you play deal, and he was released.

All was not lost for Woodgate though, and Tony Pulis gave the defender another chance in the Premier League at Stoke City.  This time the pay as you play deal was accepted, and after a stellar start to life at The Brittania Stadium his level of performances have since fallen.  What could possibly happen next in the topsy turvy career of Jonathan Woodgate?

Transer flops - Robinho

Huge expectations were placed on the shoulders of Robinho when Manchester City shelled out big bucks to bring him to Eastlands in 2008.  The Brazlian was a sign of intent from the Abu Dhabi United Group, who upon taking over on transfer deadline day highlighted to the world how serious they were about taking the club to the top of the tree.

After beginning his career at hometown club Santos he enjoyed stellar years as the goals flowed, except a minor blip in 2004/05 season after his mother was kidnapped by gunmen.  Europe clamoured to prise the youngster away in 2004 but the club declined all offers, and the man who made his debut aged 18 in 2002 endured one more season.

After two Campeonato Brasileiro triumphs the big move finally came about in 2005, with Real Madrid beating off all competition by paying 60 per cent of the £24m realise clause inserted into his contract (just short of £15m).  Wearing the number 10 shirt, previously donned by Luis Figo, he endured a solid first season in La Liga scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances.

However at the start of the 2006/07 campaign he found himself out of favour at the club, being deemed too flashy by the new regime that was instilled under President Ramon Calderon and manager Fabio Capello.  After being returned to the starting line up for the second half of the season, he did his bit in helping the club claim the La Liga title.  When Capello was fired Bernd Schuster came in, bringing back the confidence with a run of games in the first team.

Barcelona were once again kept at bay, and despite injury playing it's part, a second La Liga title and fourth in total was on it's way.  Robinho finished the season with 11 league goals and eight assists, and in the process was, along with Iker Casillas, the only Madrid player to finish in the top ten of Fifa's World Player of the Year nominations.

All wasn't well behind the scenes though, with Calderon reportedly going back on promises of a new contract.  The Brazilian himself has since stated talks didn't materialise because the club wanted to use him as bait in transfer dealings, most notably as part exchange or a sale to help fund a move for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.  All this for a player who was thried highest goalscorer at the club during his tenure, and also second in the asssist rankings.

So onto Manchester, where City beat Chelsea to the signature the London club thought was definitely going to go their way.  The Stamford Bridge club have since stated Madrid's asking price was the problem, not a problem for the newly rich sky blues who shelled out £32.5m.  Mark Hughes, gaffer at the time, said after the transfer "This is a real statement of intent as to the ambitions of this club."  Unfortunately intent he wouldn't be around to see, although neither was the player himself.

After a wonderful start, scoring on his debut at home to Chelsea, the hype proved too much and he couldn't settle in England.  Home form was no problem for the player, but away from home he struggled continuously.  The second season proved even more disappointing, when after an injury sidelined him for months he found himself down the pecking order.  This resulted in a move away being sought, and he headed back to his homeland.

Former club Santos were the destination, after the two clubs agreed to a six month loan deal.  Upon arriving back he helped the club win the Copa Brasil for the first time in club's history, while stating he would rather stay with the club than return to England.  However City didn't want the loan deal extending and with Santos not putting an offer in, he had no choice but to go back to the club against his will.

With it being no secret a move was being looked for, Fenerbache and Besiktas opened talks but the player himself refused to move to Turkey and instead held on for Italy or Spain.  And late on in the transfer window he got his wish, with AC Milan making a move to take the player for £15m.  At the club he does seem to seem to have returned to form, scoring 14 goals in 34 appearances during the 2010/11 season where he helped the club to a Serie A victory.  In addition to this he also won the Italian Supercup this season, beating near rivals Inter Milan in the process.

On an international level, his first cap came in 2003 and he has been somewhat of an ever present since.  He has won two Confederations Cups in 2005 and 2009 and one Copa America in 2007, but is yet to taste World Cup victory.  However with the 2014 World Cup being help in the samba nation, Robinho could have a chance to taste the ultimate victory.  That is if he can keep playing football with a smile on his face, maintain form and keep a place in the squad at the age of 30.

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 - Romelu Lukaku

Over the last few months we've been hearing a lot about young Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku so it was only right Sports Portal included him as a future star.

A week doesn't seem to pass by when his name isnt linked to another potential suitor this summer.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Inter Milan are just a handful of the names thrown up so far.

After making his way into football at the age of 6, it wasn't until seven years later he joined Anderlecht and his career began to show real promise.

A ridiculous scoring record for the youth squad saw Lukaku promoted to the seniors in 2009, where he impressed in equal fashion.

Upon turning 16 a professional contract was signed, and soon after came a senior debut for the teenage sensation.

He now has a record of almost one in two for his club side, and has also finished top scorer in the Belgian Pro League (or Jupiler Pro League).

In addition to this he is now a member of the senior Belgian national squad after two years in the under-21s, where his scoring has continued.

Constantly likened to a young Didier Drogba, it is rumoured the Ivorian has phoned Lukaku to talk up Chelsea.

Where ever he does end up though, he must ensure he doesn't end up like many other footballing prodigies e.g. Freddy Adu.

The jewel in the Belgian footballing crown, he could carry the hope of a nation for well over a decade.

Future Stars - Douglas Costa

As a youngster in his native Brazil, Douglas Costa was surrounded by constant hype and talk of a big money move to Europe.

The attacking midfielder has been a long time target for Real Madrid and Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side still heavily linked.

After coming through the youth ranks at Gremio, he made the step up into the first team.

And with only a handful of appearances under his belt, the rumours already started to circle.

However he stuck it out for two years, making 28 appearances and scoring two goals in the process.

When the time did come to make the big move to Europe, it wasn't one of the typical giants of the European game that snapped up the youngster.

Instead it was big spending Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk who signed the promising star.

His scoring rate has improved dramatically during his time in Europe, and the big names continue to be linked.

With Costa himself often fanning the flames of a potential move to Manchester United.

For now though he remains at Shakhtar as well as being an integral part of the Brazil under-20s side.

But watch this space, before too long Costa will be gracing the world stage at one the worlds best sides.

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.

Fergie spot on with 'kamikaze' jibe

Another round of the infamous Alex Ferguson 'mind games' could be in the offing, following the Manchester United managers quotes yesterday.

Without naming a club he has claimed the spending in the Premier League is well over the top, with clubs splashing out on players in kamikaze style.

Fergie believes more clubs should follow his own blue print, bleeding youngsters into the side to develop alongside the more experienced figures.

This summers signings of Chris Smalling, Bebe and the already impressive Javier Hernandez is in stark contrast to their neighbours across the City.

The Eastlands outfit are set to take their spending above the £100m mark when James Milner officially becomes a Manchester City player.

Although the most decorated manger in Premier League history is not alone in thinking they can't instantly buy success.

Real Madrid have famously tried this with the galactico's and won nothing, and had another go at this unsuccessful formula last year with similarly bad consequences.

With Jose Mourinho's installation they have stopped this incessant need to buy big names, with the 'special one' building a solid side.

Their signings of Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, two of Germany's most impressive performers in this summer World Cup, for just £24m shows this.

They have established themselves in their national side, and show huge promise for the future.

For a similar fee City are buying a player who has some Premier League pedigree, is in or around his national side and justifies his inflated fee after one brilliant season last term.

Ferguson and the others who have tipped City for another baron year could be just right.

They should spend their money more wisely if they want the success everyone connected with the club craves.

The USA - football's care home!

As another player drifts across the pond, the debate once again begins to rage.

Thierry Henry has joined David Beckham in America, three years after the Englishman skipped across the Atlantic and into the arms of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

What both these moves have in common is one thing, they both show a distinct lack of ambition.

Fair enough Beckham wasn't getting treated fairly at Real Madrid, so it was kind of understandable when he thought his time was up.

He will never admit he regrets it, but his time on loan at AC Milan will certainly have eaten away at him and show the seeds of regret have begun to sow.

The Frenchman will no doubt feel a similar sense of regret after a year or two, glancing back over the pond thinking 'if only'.

He will rack up a ridiculous goal tally in America, as the circus show that his career will become trails around from one city to the next.

His new side the New York Red Bulls, were one of the MLS' worst ever performers last season, so this a major coup for them.

A major name can work wonders, on paper, but the craze could soon ware off as it did in Beckham's case.

As previously mentioned it is not a as if these two didn't have European offers, but they chose the more lucrative, meaning a higher wage, option.

It should be a disappointing site to all football fans, that these stars who still have a lot to offer don't mind wasting the end of their careers.

Ryan Giggs at 35 become the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and also claimed the PFA Players of the Year award for his displays last season.

Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham are example of strikers who continued well into their twilight, so what is the fad of 'cracking America'.

It seems any player entering their 30s and nearing the end of their contract is linked with a move to USA, to take their 'brand' and try to improve the view of 'soccer'.

The quotes used upon the announcement also bring about a state of deja vu:

“I want to promote football in America. It is the world’s greatest sport and will be big in America soon,”

If neither Pele or George Best could muster this feat it is unlikely that Henry will have much of an impact.

It seems that we will have to admit that passion and ambition are now a thing of the past, a quick buck in a footballers twilight is the new dream.