Ronaldinho and Ronaldo share more similarities than just their names. Both players were at the top and both have fallen very low. Their transfers from Spain to Italy in an attempt to revive their careers have been serious flops. While Ronaldo’s story is finished, Ronaldinho’s seems to have just started.
Just two years ago Ronaldinho has been praised all over the World for his great performances in Barcelona and he was considered one of the best players at that moment. He was given the freedom to do what he likes in Barcelona, he could dribble, make fun of his opponents and the whole team worked for him. For example, ha was the one who was responsible for taking free-kicks, even though he always struggled to get the ball over the wall. He did score a couple of nice goals from set-pieces, but considering he had at least five chances to take them in every game, that is not too big an achievement.
Last season, however, was totally different. He started missing training sessions for the weirdest of reasons, which led to him being very unfit and he couldn’t produce the magic. Everybody at the club saw that he was a mere shadow of the player from last season and his performances were widely criticized. He seemed unable to cope with the pressure and it was clear that he would leave the club. He did so this summer, when he followed the steps of Ronaldo and transferred to Milan in an attempt to revive his career. He thought he would prosper in Italy, and how much he was wrong.
He was given the freedom in Spain to do what he likes, which is something he cannot hope for in Milan. Italian football is focused on results and Ronaldinho will not be able to play with the ball and wind opponents up, although I don’t think he has the ability to do that any more. Milan consists of ruthless professionals like Pirlo, Gattuso and Seedorf, and even their most creative player, Kaka, has to work hard for the team. Ronaldinho clearly has no idea about tactics, discipline or team work and maybe he can now help Brazil futsal team instead of Milan. Five-a-side is possibly his game, as one does not have to work too hard and individual quality can win games. Although the coach would have to play him only in attack (something like in handball), as you clearly cannot expect someone like Ronaldinho to chase the opponent, or God forbid, tackle someone. He can continue to do tricks, shoot commercials and entertain the kids but he clearly has nothing to do in a serious football team. Take a one look at the defenders in Serie A and you will know what I am talking about.
Ronaldinho has only just joined Milan and maybe someone thinks that it is too early to judge him, but considering he is following the footsteps of Ronaldo, he is certain to become the next big flop of the Italian team.
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Trevor, I don’t personally see the justice in your acticle by comparng Luis Nazario de Lima otherwise Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The former had been on top of world football for greater part of 10 or so years and only got his dip in form through injuries. On the other hand, Ronaldinho has just managed to achieve being on top for what, two or three years? Come on lets be fare to the game. I can’t think of a single footballer who suffered the kinds of injuries Ronaldo went through and came back a hero. Ronaldinho’s problems are not because of injuries but a dip due o off field issues and lack of regularity at training according to reports. So how can you compare the two? Ronaldo is still the greatest striker and it will take footballer a long time before we will see a striker like him. Viva R9.
Thanks