Tyson adored Maradona so much he dissed Messi

[Chinned]

I doubt you watched prime Ronaldinho. Teams used to be scared of Barcelona. The guy just partied too much and got out of shape. But what he could do with the football - Messi and CR7 can only dream about doing it.

But the real Ronaldo (Brazilian Ronaldo) was the real deal - the 2nd greatest footballer I ever saw in my life. And he did it so effortlessly.

Messi and CR7 era is so weak, I doubt you can name 5 generational talents in their era. Who else apart from Messi and CR7? Iniesta? - he's not even fit to lace Seedorf's shoes? Robinho? LMAO. Xavi? - I don't even think he's better than Guardiola tbh, so comparing him to the great talents that played his position in the 90s and 00s would be a bit disrespectful. vNeymar?

However, in the other eras, it's pretty easy to name at least 10 generational talents. Even players from small countries like Bulgaria with Hristo Stoichkov ***** on any player not named Messi and Ronaldo in the 2010s era.

I'm just happy the standard/talent-level is ascending again with the talented kids growing through the ranks now. And it's going to be more competitive at the top again.

I literally used to watch every match of Barcelona because of Ronaldinho. I know exactly what he could do and how much of a genius he was. He's my favourite player ever outside of those from my team. But he didn't win football matches to the extent of Messi or Ronaldo. Ronaldinho would do things I've never seen anyone do - and do it with a smile on his face - but he never had that ruthless efficiency of just making sure his team won game after game.

Iniesta was absolutely amazing and you'd have to be blind not to see that. Forgetting his obvious abilities, how about winners or MOTM performances in WC finals, Euro finals, CL finals, semi finals. You've lost your credibility.

I don't know why you name dropped Robinho lol. That's a name of absolute zero relevance when discussing the top tier of players. Exciting player at one point though.

The reason why it's more competitive at the top now is because Ronaldo and Messi are no longer the forces they were and their supporting casts have also dipped. There is no one even close to their peak levels around at the moment - not surprising because you are talking about 2 of the 4 greatest players in history who also had incredible, world class players like Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Bale, Xavi, Iniesta, Suarez, Neymar, Rooney, Scholes, etc.

It's easy to call it a weak era when it's 2 guys at the top all the time but the reality is, it's because those 2 took control of the entire sport. They quite clearly left Ronaldinho behind, as much as I prefer the latter.

Things are looking more competitive for the future because there are no standout teams other than Bayern Munich. Liverpool as well, though not now with the injuries. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG, Man City are all weaker than they were a few years ago. Man Utd are in constant crisis, Inter are average, Atletico had dipped albeit are looking like they could be good again (but I doubt back to 2014-2016 level) etc. That's why things are looking more even - teams are having to start again after the stranglehold that Messi and Ronaldo had from 2007-2018.

Brazilian Ronaldo is a better comparison than Ronaldinho. For a couple of years he was clearly at their standard and had it not been for injuries, would arguably be considered the GOAT. My god what a player.

edit

Incidentally you should go back and watch old games. The general standard of play is higher now than it was in the 80s or 90s. We had WC and CL games from that era shown during on tv lockdown and the speed, power, technical ability on show back then pales in comparison to now and it really took me by surprise. It was the first time in a while I've watched some of these classic teams and the comparison was interesting. Players had more freedom back then though and it was definitely more enjoyable, seemingly with more characters.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

I literally used to watch every match of Barcelona because of Ronaldinho. I know exactly what he could do and how much of a genius he was. He's my favourite player ever outside of those from my team. But he didn't win football matches to the extent of Messi or Ronaldo. Ronaldinho would do things I've never seen anyone do - and do it with a smile on his face - but he never had that ruthless efficiency of just making sure his team won game after game.

Iniesta was absolutely amazing and you'd have to be blind not to see that. Forgetting his obvious abilities, how about winners or MOTM performances in WC finals, Euro finals, CL finals, semi finals. You've lost your credibility.

I don't know why you name dropped Robinho lol. That's a name of absolute zero relevance when discussing the top tier of players. Exciting player at one point though.

The reason why it's more competitive at the top now is because Ronaldo and Messi are no longer the forces they were and their supporting casts have also dipped. There is no one even close to their peak levels around at the moment - not surprising because you are talking about 2 of the 4 greatest players in history who also had incredible, world class players like Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Bale, Xavi, Iniesta, Suarez, Neymar, Rooney, Scholes, etc.

It's easy to call it a weak era when it's 2 guys at the top all the time but the reality is, it's because those 2 took control of the entire sport. They quite clearly left Ronaldinho behind, as much as I prefer the latter.

Things are looking more competitive for the future because there are no standout teams other than Bayern Munich. Liverpool as well, though not now with the injuries. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG, Man City are all weaker than they were a few years ago. Man Utd are in constant crisis, Inter are average, Atletico had dipped albeit are looking like they could be good again (but I doubt back to 2014-2016 level) etc. That's why things are looking more even - teams are having to start again after the stranglehold that Messi and Ronaldo had from 2007-2018.

Brazilian Ronaldo is a better comparison than Ronaldinho. For a couple of years he was clearly at their standard and had it not been for injuries, would arguably be considered the GOAT. My god what a player.

edit

Incidentally you should go back and watch old games. The general standard of play is higher now than it was in the 80s or 90s. We had WC and CL games from that era shown during on tv lockdown and the speed, power, technical ability on show back then pales in comparison to now and it really took me by surprise. It was the first time in a while I've watched some of these classic teams and the comparison was interesting. Players had more freedom back then though and it was definitely more enjoyable, seemingly with more characters.

You’re 100% correct, things have become more competitive because the standard has decreased.

Iniesta won everything possible in the game...Winning goal in a World Cup final and along with Xavi was the heartbeat of two ATG teams in Barcelona 2008-2012 and Spain 2008-2012. You’d have to be an idiot to not consider him an all time great midfielder.

That kid doesn’t know sh** about football.

[BangEM]

I literally used to watch every match of Barcelona because of Ronaldinho. I know exactly what he could do and how much of a genius he was. He's my favourite player ever outside of those from my team. But he didn't win football matches to the extent of Messi or Ronaldo. Ronaldinho would do things I've never seen anyone do - and do it with a smile on his face - but he never had that ruthless efficiency of just making sure his team won game after game.

Iniesta was absolutely amazing and you'd have to be blind not to see that. Forgetting his obvious abilities, how about winners or MOTM performances in WC finals, Euro finals, CL finals, semi finals. You've lost your credibility.

I don't know why you name dropped Robinho lol. That's a name of absolute zero relevance when discussing the top tier of players. Exciting player at one point though.

The reason why it's more competitive at the top now is because Ronaldo and Messi are no longer the forces they were and their supporting casts have also dipped. There is no one even close to their peak levels around at the moment - not surprising because you are talking about 2 of the 4 greatest players in history who also had incredible, world class players like Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Bale, Xavi, Iniesta, Suarez, Neymar, Rooney, Scholes, etc.

It's easy to call it a weak era when it's 2 guys at the top all the time but the reality is, it's because those 2 took control of the entire sport. They quite clearly left Ronaldinho behind, as much as I prefer the latter.

Things are looking more competitive for the future because there are no standout teams other than Bayern Munich. Liverpool as well, though not now with the injuries. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG, Man City are all weaker than they were a few years ago. Man Utd are in constant crisis, Inter are average, Atletico had dipped albeit are looking like they could be good again (but I doubt back to 2014-2016 level) etc. That's why things are looking more even - teams are having to start again after the stranglehold that Messi and Ronaldo had from 2007-2018.

Brazilian Ronaldo is a better comparison than Ronaldinho. For a couple of years he was clearly at their standard and had it not been for injuries, would arguably be considered the GOAT. My god what a player.

edit

Incidentally you should go back and watch old games. The general standard of play is higher now than it was in the 80s or 90s. We had WC and CL games from that era shown during on tv lockdown and the speed, power, technical ability on show back then pales in comparison to now and it really took me by surprise. It was the first time in a while I've watched some of these classic teams and the comparison was interesting. Players had more freedom back then though and it was definitely more enjoyable, seemingly with more characters.

Scholes isn't Messi and Ronaldo era. I'd pick Scholes as the greatest English midfielder (and my favourite to watch) but he was criminally underrated. And perhaps it's because he never left United. After him, it's a toss up between Gerrard and McManaman. Then probably Lampard.

Anyway, can you honestly tell me that the likes of Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Bale, Xavi, Iniesta, Suarez, Neymar, Rooney are better than Henry, Rivaldo, Crespo, Zidane, Makelele, Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Eto to name a few?

Iniesta was on a great team that won mostly due to team work, style of play and having better players in key areas than everyone else. Busquets was also on that team - does than mean he's a better player than Viera and all the legends that played his position in the 90s and 00s? David Beckham was on the Real Madrid Galácticos team that won everything - does that mean he was a generational talent?

No, the standard back then was higher and the players were much more technically gifted. Put those players on the amazing pitches out there today and they'd look like the 2nd coming of God, lol.

We probably need to agree to disagree.

[Chinned]

Scholes isn't Messi and Ronaldo era. I'd pick Scholes as the greatest English midfielder (and my favourite to watch) but he was criminally underrated. And perhaps it's because he never left United. After him, it's a toss up between Gerrard and McManaman. Then probably Lampard.

CR7 won the CL, (and made another final) Ballon D'or and 3 PL's in a Man Utd team that had Scholes in it. CR7's era didn't start at Real Madrid. In fact you can argue he had one of his 2 or 3 most productive seasons with Scholes.

Anyway, can you honestly tell me that the likes of Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Bale, Xavi, Iniesta, Suarez, Neymar, Rooney are better than Henry, Rivaldo, Crespo, Zidane, Makelele, Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Eto to name a few?

Iniesta was on a great team that won mostly due to team work, style of play and having better players in key areas than everyone else. Busquets was also on that team - does than mean he's a better player than Viera and all the legends that played his position in the 90s and 00s? David Beckham was on the Real Madrid Galácticos team that won everything - does that mean he was a generational talent?

I think there's some nostalgia/rose tinted glasses here. There's also players like Aguero, Lewandowski, Ibrahimovic, Robben and Ribery etc.

Iniesta was on teams that won on team work because of him. He was the heart and soul of that teamwork along with Xavi. Look at how Spain and Barcelona have been since Xavi and Iniesta went. Iniesta wasn't the guy to score 30 goals a season, but he was the essential cog in the machine. The teamwork argument is a plus for him, not against.

The Beckham comparison does not work. Not only did he not win everything at Madrid but he was never the star player. His peak was at Man United (where he did actually win everything) where he was seen as one of the best in the world, actually.

No, the standard back then was higher and the players were much more technically gifted. Put those players on the amazing pitches out there today and they'd look like the 2nd coming of God, lol.

We probably need to agree to disagree.

Sure.
I would recommend you watch older games though. If nothing else, it's interesting to see how things have changed.

[BangEM]

CR7 won the CL, (and made another final) Ballon D'or and 3 PL's in a Man Utd team that had Scholes in it. CR7's era didn't start at Real Madrid. In fact you can argue he had one of his 2 or 3 most productive seasons with Scholes.


I think there's some nostalgia/rose tinted glasses here. There's also players like Aguero, Lewandowski, Ibrahimovic, Robben and Ribery etc.

Iniesta was on teams that won on team work because of him. He was the heart and soul of that teamwork along with Xavi. Look at how Spain and Barcelona have been since Xavi and Iniesta went. Iniesta wasn't the guy to score 30 goals a season, but he was the essential cog in the machine. The teamwork argument is a plus for him, not against.

The Beckham comparison does not work. Not only did he not win everything at Madrid but he was never the star player. His peak was at Man United (where he did actually win everything) where he was seen as one of the best in the world, actually.


Sure.
I would recommend you watch older games though. If nothing else, it's interesting to see how things have changed.

Mate, all the guys you named were in their 30s and on the decline, while Ronaldo and Messi were in their early to mid-30s.

Ronaldo came into his own into superstardom during his last season Utd. And Messi became a superstar after Ronaldinho left Barca and it became his team. Stop conflating two different eras. And by 2010, Robben and Ribery were already on the decline. Just because they were still active then, that doesn’t mean that’s their era.

Mario Jardel broke all records for goals - doesn’t that mean he’s a generational talent?

[Chinned]

Mate, all the guys you named were in their 30s and on the decline, while Ronaldo and Messi were in their early to mid-30s.

Ronaldo came into his own into superstardom during his last season Utd. And Messi became a superstar after Ronaldinho left Barca and it became his team. Stop conflating two different eras. And by 2010, Robben and Ribery were already on the decline. Just because they were still active then, that doesn’t mean that’s their era.

Mario Jardel broke all records for goals - doesn’t that mean he’s a generational talent?

Ronaldo won the Ballon D'or in his second to last year at United. In his 3rd to last season he finished 2nd in the Ballon D'or race and won PL POTS. There is absolutely an overlap. Ronaldo's time started slightly before Messi as far as being 'the guy'. Ronaldo had been well established as one of the top 2 absolute best players on the planet in his last 3 seasons at United, not simply his final one (heck, he was better in 06/07 than he was in 08/09). I should know - I'm a United fan.

And dude.... Ribery and Robben literally had their greatest seasons AFTER 2010. WTF? 'Robbery' was absolutely unplayable and made the CL final in 2012 and won the TREBLE in 2013 - Ribery was 4% of the votes away from winning the Ballon D'or. He actually WON the UEFA Best player of the year award. Robben came 4th in the Ballon D'or in 2013, 3rd in 2014 and was in just about every 'Team of the year' possible. He was the best player for Holland as they reached the 2014 World Cup final.

How the heck can you form these opinions? Robben's peak was at Bayern Munich and he didn't even join until the 09/10 season.

I'm sorry, I'm trying to be respectful but you're just getting absolutely everything wrong here.

[Szef]

So some fantasy team picture with Totti on the right side of midfield is supposed to convince me.

Totti could operate as an attacking midfielder, he did it at times during Roma’s 00-01 season to help facilitate for Delvecchio and Batistuta. However, for the vast majority of his career Totti operated as a forward. As either a second striker or a number 9. Perrotta was the man who regularly played as the AM from Roma and did so for a decade.

World Cup final 2006. Biggest game of Totti’s career. Where did he play? In a two man strike partnership with Luca Toni.

You were wrong Nonce Em. Get over it. Hand that laptop in we’re on to ya.

Totti was an attacking midfielder 100%

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Totti was an attacking midfielder 100%

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/francesco-totti/profil/spieler/5958

He was a forward... a second striker would be a fair assessment. He wasn’t an out and out 9 but he played in attack not in midfield.

That site displays his position pretty accurately. Second Striker but could also play as a Centre Forward or Attacking Midfielder if required.

[Szef]

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fran...l/spieler/5958

He was a forward... a second striker would be a fair assessment. He wasn’t an out and out 9 but he played in attack not in midfield.

That site displays his position pretty accurately. Second Striker but could also play as a Centre Forward or Attacking Midfielder if required.

I don't need no website I have watched him play for years

He was an attacking midfielder

[Boxing-1013]

What does he know about football?

R.I.P Maradona - the best I ever saw. Ronaldinho and Brazilian Ronaldo (the real Ronaldo) are the next two.

Messi and Ronaldo era was the weakest era in football - the standard is going up again with all the young talents coming up.

Braindead take. 2 best players ever and it isn't really close