Regardless whether Ronaldo had lifted the Champions League trophy last month, he is one of the best players around but amazingly his common sense still doesn't communicate with me. I'm only writing this because of the official statement from Utd, again the papers have overstated the meaning of RECEIVED as ACCEPTED. No deal yet but it could be likely. Almost a year ago I predicted Utd will not regain the League without Ronaldo. My predictions on other matters were not as good but I think this one is fair.
Beginning of the season, Utd really slumped without him , having one of the worst starts ever. A so called mediocre season by Ronaldo still saw him become the highest scoring midfielder ahead of the seemingly better Gerrard and Lampard. He scored 18 goals in the league and trailed leader Anelka by one. Goals were a lot short compared to the previous seasons but his influence has an "invisible hand" (Stolen from economics..lol). He is a bit silent on the goal front but when he plays, there's such exuberance with Man Utd, something Arsenal has lacked. The sort of catalyst and game-changing capability that every team is envious about. The question for Ronaldo first, is he making the right move?
YES, HE IS
Well, he has achieved every trophy and award possible at his level and it is fair for him to look for better challenges ahead. He has given so much to the team and he has the say what he wants. Not a very strong argument but he does have a point.
NO, USE YOUR HEAD.
Not many people really agree with the mentality of Ronaldo and what he says. I personally don't have a problem with his arrogance. At 23, still too risky for a move to Real Madrid. A move that has shown evidence players never really achieve their potential or didnt grow as much as they could have. Beckham,McManaman, Woodgate, Owen, Reyes, Anelka, Gravesen, Van Nistelrooy, Robben, Diarra, Dudek, Heinze are the ones that made their way to the Bernabeau. How many really did well? I don't think any of them did exceptionally well. First argument against this, none of them were really so called "best"players. There's some truth but Ronaldo is the best player in the world. The chances of screwing up his career is high apart from the possibility of spending the best years of his career wasted. Plus, Real Madrid has Kaka and can they actually play together. Mouth-watering prospect for an under-achieving team, but for me it is just blind optimism. For Real's sake , I hope it works.
REPLACEABLE?
According to THE SUN, they identified a few players who could replace Ronaldo. Let me take a look.
1. Luis Fabiano
I seen him play before , pretty decent, too far from Ronaldo.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 3/10
2.Antonio Valencia
He has played for Wigan for awhile now and no one is really interested in him. Why will United be?
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 2.5/10
3. Karim Benzema
Now you're talking, excellent playmaker for Lyon but not for France. Superb skills and capability. Has the muscle for the Premier League. Scores goals.Thumbs up.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 8/10
4. Franck Ribery
Good candidate as well. Aggressive style, scores goals and creates too. Not bad.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 7/10
5. Samuel Eto'o
Radically different player, too attacking compared to Ronaldo's creativeness. 28 years of age. Not quite the replacement.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 5/10
6.Carlos Tevez
On the list because not signed permanently. He has played for Utd and we have seen him play. Should sign for Utd but he is not a replacement for sure!
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : N/A
My considerations
Kaka should be on this list but thanks to Real again.
1. Lionel Messi
Some call him the best player in the world, he could be this year. Barca wont sell him for 80mil pounds, but maybe 100? He is top draw , all I can say.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 10/10
2.Diego
Haven't seen to much of him but a playmaker is the concern for Man Utd and he is one which is quite sought after. A third of Ronaldo's price could do it. His speed is a problem here.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 6.5/10
3. Xavi
Man Utd surely knows a lot about him. Great player but different attributes. Don't think Barca will sell again.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 6.5/10
4. Sergio Aguero
Very talented youngster. I haven't watched him play in awhile, but he could be a good buy. Small in size but big in talent.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 7/10
5. David Villa
Proven capabilities. Has a very big eye for goal. Love to see him in the EPL. Sadly, almost the same argument for Eto'o. Too much of a striker.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 6/10
Whatever the outcomes, someone will celebrate, whether its Ronaldo with the biggest wage cheque in his entire life, the Premier League's other 19 teams or even United (if he stays or they like the money).
Let's hope this fellar does not let success takeover him. Happy decision-making and discussions Ronaldo! Return the glory days to Madrid...haha. (Sorry for being bitter because of the champions league semis)
~deyao~
