As I watched Manchester United’s match against Everton, followed by the el classico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, I could not help but marvel at Ronaldo’s magic at United and lament the fall of Ronaldinho at Barcelona. As a fan of both United and Barcelona, I want both my clubs to perform well. When Barcelona was winning trophies until just more than a year back, I was hoping United would follow suit.
When United was setting the Premiership on fire last season, I also had to witness the demise of the Catalan club. Will I ever see these two majestic clubs of Europe win their domestic titles in the same season? I guess not, considering the way the Catalan club is witnessing a downturn in its fortunes.
Ronaldo has already scored 17 times this season for United, while Ronnie has hardly made a significant contribution for Barca. I was aghast to say the least, seeing the latter’s abject performance in Barca’s home loss against Real Madrid.
Just more than 2 years back, Ronnie was given a standing ovation by Real fans for his virtuoso performance at the Santiago Bernabeau. Even last season, he scored about 21 goals for the club. But, what happened to that old Ronnie?
Did all that adulation get to his head? It is rumored that he missed more than 50 percent of the club’s training session last season and that he was given preferential treatment by everyone at the club. No doubt, Ronnie was instrumental for Barca’s revival but it is far more difficult to keep your act together at the highest level and in that aspect, he would do well to take cue from United legends such as Giggs and Scholes, who continue to perform at the highest level even after several Premiership titles.
On the other hand, Ronaldo is a star on the rise. However, he just has to take one look at the path taken by Ronnie and avoid that path at all costs. He is at a terrific club, surrounded by legends such as Giggs, Neville, and Scholes.
If Ronnie’s arrogance was his downfall, Ron’s might be his attraction to glamour and a constant craving for attention, reasons why he might quit United in a couple of seasons and head toward Real Madrid.
United would loathe to lose Ron when that time comes, but then no player is greater than the club, a fact being demonstrated by Ronnie at Barcelona.
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Tags: Barcelona, EPL, Manchester United, Premiership
Ronaldinho is on a downward spiral and it looks like no way back for the unfit erstwhile superstar in what is becoming a very youthful La Liga with players like Aguero, Bojan, Dos Santos, Sneijder, Raul Garcia and even Real Madrid veteran players are being put through a rigid training routine. I was so surprised to see the forward line winning balls (RVN included) in the el Gran Clasico. So someone, who misses 50% of training in a season is in for a tough time.
Ronnie, Off to AC Superannuated (no offence meant, my favorite team too)
BTW Cristiano is becoming Henry’s replacement in terms of consistent number of goals per season. But unfortunately he also inherits the same complaint that often gets lodged against Titi, inability to be effective, influential and find the net in key clashes. If he can deliver in those circumstances and reduce his occasional antics on and off field, he can go places. Have a look at Kaka. This guy is as talented as or even more talented than him according to me. Cut down crap diving, showboating and off field histrionics and he along with the new generation players can power Portugal to the pinnacle of glory.