MAN in the MIRROR

There was no finer sight last season than an electrifying Cristiano
Ronaldo at Old Trafford surging into overdrive past hapless
defenders who simply evaporated in his jet stream.

In terms of natural, God-given talent and their ability to win football matches Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are in a gang of two. Magicians amongst mortals. Whether it is Messi's hypnotic ball control leaving defenders in a trance or Ronaldo's supernatural pace and finishing that ravages opponents, in the modern game they stand alone.

Yet at the moment Cristiano Ronaldo is like a winner on supermarket sweep, racing down the aisles throwing awards left, right and centre in his trolley. The latest being the highly prestigious French Ballon d'Or. Even Ronaldo's fiercest detractor and there are many could possibly deny him all possible plaudits.

His performances last season in helping Manchester United achieve a Premiership and European double were at times simply awe inspiring. So many match-winning strikes for the Portuguese Man O' war as he combined with devastating effect alongside partners in crime Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez to wreak havoc both home and away.

With their sleight of touch and intelligent movement the unselfish Rooney and Tevez dragged opposing defenders into a no mans lands, making gaps for which the blinding pace of Ronaldo could then tear through like a razor cutting paper. A red blur: off he raced, left foot, right it hardly mattered for the outcome was inevitable.

Through history it appears the great players are allowed one chapter when the sun shines upon them despite rain falling all around. No matter what occurs in coming seasons whether in United red or more likely the white of Madrid, the possibility of Cristiano's Ronaldo enjoying another season like the one past is dubious at least.

As if blessed by a Romany gypsy for buying her clothes pegs, such was Ronaldo's standing with lady luck last year he could well have won Britain's got talent,
X factor and Strictly come dancing if entered. For the saying 'everything touched turned to gold' seemed written for the boy from Madeira whose dancing feet cast spells across Europe's great stadiums.

Also this alleged, so called one-trick pony nailed any lingering criticism with an all round ability to score from any variety of situations. Ronaldo's goals came in many different flavours. The staggering free kick against Portsmouth leaving Old Trafford speechless such was its ferocity and accuracy.

The courageous diving header in Rome that flew like a rocket into the Italian net. Ending forever those who doubted Ronaldo's bravery as he threw himself to meet the ball through a swarm of Roma defenders. Then of course the Champions league final in Moscow when Ronaldo rose high to head Wes Brown's cross past Cech giving United the lead. The 'he doesn't score in big matches' line buried for all time.

Just three of an outrageous forty-two goals.
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It isn't hard to imagine when Lionel Messi looks into the mirror his great idol Diego Maradona smiles back mouthing the words 'now it's your turn kid'. However it is likely Cristiano Ronaldo's mirror has not yet known such moments of humility as chances are each morning he winks at his popstar features and announces to a waiting world: 'Ronaldo has awoken to dazzle and amaze'!

Such has been his astonishing last twelve months it is churlish to say Cristiano Ronaldo does not deserve, at this time, the accolades of the world's best footballer. Although others quickly point to the little Argentine plying his trade in Barcelona, who is also not averse to a party trick or two. Injuries apart Messi's era is surely approaching, but today raise a glass to Ronaldo. Undoubtedly the greatest? His words not mine.

Every generation is blessed with a precious few who stand heads and shoulders above their contemporaries. Our time has handed us two players who though both still in their early twenties have already shown enough to command the title priceless. Who is the better player?

For me, Messi.

John Ludden:
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com