We should have started the discussion with this which would have saved both of us about 30 minutes of the day.
Maybe. I know it's not mainstream but I also don't think players suddenly become better or worse at the end of a season.
We should have started the discussion with this which would have saved both of us about 30 minutes of the day.
It's the other way round. Nobody would play Lewandowski as a striker if he could do what Messi can do. You would try to bring him into positions from which he can influence the game more. Same way Ronaldo moved further up front as his overall contribution degressed. There's a reason why playmakers were always rated higher than any other position in football.
I do what?
Also, the irony that somebody who is as tribal as you labels somebody else a "fan boy". I mean, of course I am a fan boy. But I'm a fan boy of the football Messi produces, you're a fan boy of the person. I lose interest the moment a player regresses to a level that I don't enjoy watching any longer and just turn to the next one while you will support him unconditionally. That's very commendable by you but to be honest I very much doubt that he or anyone else in football really deserves the kind of loyalty.
Yes, I hate Bayern with a passion, no denying that. But I still admire the players. I was a great fan of Robben for example and still think he's the best player behind Messi and Ronaldo that I've seen play.
And yes, Lewandowski is great at many things, especially his hold up play. I always said his technique reminds me a bit of Berbatov - just exceptional. I also think he's a worthy nominee, just not worth of the win for the reasons I mentioned. I'd still be happy for him if he wins it as some kind of "lifetime achievement", similar to Modric
Anyway, I also think that the defensive contribution is generally a weak argument in this case. As you said, Lewandowski isn't particularly good in this regard, too. Messi is notorious for not pressing but strangely he still has more pressures per 90 than Lewandowski this season.
Salty sham . Why's everyone going on like Messi's already won it anyway? Isn't it tonight?
Alexis Sanchez in 2016: 48 goals and assists, second place with Arsenal in the league, last 16 of UEFA Champions League, won Copa America with Chile.
Leo Messi in 2021: 50 goals and assists, third place with Barcelona in the league, last 16 of UEFA Champions League, won Copa America with Argentina.
Sanchez wasn't even in top 30, Messi is going to win this.
Alexis Sanchez in 2016: 48 goals and assists, second place with Arsenal in the league, last 16 of UEFA Champions League, won Copa America with Chile.
Leo Messi in 2021: 50 goals and assists, third place with Barcelona in the league, last 16 of UEFA Champions League, won Copa America with Argentina.
Sanchez wasn't even in top 30, Messi is going to win this.
Apparently they are unveiling a 'best striker' award today, which is very funny.
Alexis Sanchez in 2016: 48 goals and assists, second place with Arsenal in the league, last 16 of UEFA Champions League, won Copa America with Chile.
Leo Messi in 2021: 50 goals and assists, third place with Barcelona in the league, last 16 of UEFA Champions League, won Copa America with Argentina.
Sanchez wasn't even in top 30, Messi is going to win this.
Messi having 0 defensive workrate is a big reason why Barca were humiliated so often in the CL these past few years.Huh? Blaming the individual for the teams faults is a double edged sword. The same argument can be made for lewa. The truth is they were both great. Messi more in last season and lewa this season. Lewa should have a 2020 ballondo'r to his name. that's the real controversy here. Most years there are a couple favorites people fight over, but outright cancelling the award was a dumb decision.
Now look at progression numbers, chances created, shot and goal creating actions, and completed dribbles while you are at it.
Messi fanboys are so flexible.Now look at progression numbers, chances created, shot and goal creating actions, and completed dribbles while you are at it.
Messi fanboys are so flexible.
Not sure if that is a serious response.
Completed dribbles What about successful first touches with the bottom of the right foot and most tackles made with right leg?
Successful dribbles should not make a difference between someone not even being considered top 30 and someone being a winner of individual award by default.Oh so Dribbles are useless in Football? Oh yes please, keep enlightening with educated football opinions.
Now look at progression numbers, chances created, shot and goal creating actions, and completed dribbles while you are at it.
Huh? Blaming the individual for the teams faults is a double edged sword. The same argument can be made for lewa. The truth is they were both great.
The sham will be the winner tonight!
I was going to agree with you and you went with "awful Ligue 1".The ballon dor is not to reward the best player in the world its for player of the year and that was and is Lewandowski not the guy who only has one goal in the awfull ligue 1 while playing for a powerhouse of a team.
Yeah, to be fair a semi-competent coach would be saying "they play with 9 outfield players in the transition". You don't have to have every player busting a gut but you cant carry that level of apathy.Messi having 0 defensive workrate is a big reason why Barca were humiliated so often in the CL these past few years.
No other player can afford to lose the ball and just walk as if nothing had happened.
The argument would be "if he'd been around for the QFs Bayern probably go through" which makes him look good.
And he wasn't a serious Balon D'Or candidate in any of them so there's no inconsistency.Silly argument. Given that Bayern have had many non-CL winning seasons with Lewa in the team.
Not sure if that is a serious response.
Completed dribbles What about successful first touches with the bottom of the right foot and most tackles made with right leg?
Successful dribbles should not make a difference between someone not even being considered top 30 and someone being a winner of individual award by default.
You can make an argument for any top player based on advanced stats. Why are dribbles important but headers are not for example? Or penalty conversion? Is it because Messi doesn’t lead that?
Does anyone actually give a crap who wins??
The players do.Does anyone actually give a crap who wins??
Does anyone actually give a crap who wins??
If you lean Messi or Ronalsi then yes,Does anyone actually give a crap who wins??
I have no interest at all in seeing who a bunch of journalists believe is the best player in the world.You don't have to be extremely enthused to tune in. I have a slight curiousity which is enough - it's common knowledge for a football fan to at least know who won.