football test

Soon the golden ball will be handed to one of those dudes sweating in South Africa. I –for the record- do not take individual awards in football that seriously. I can’t see how Mr. forward is better that all the goalkeepers of the world if he can’t do their job better. The golden boot is nice, but why don’t we hear about a golden glove for example? May be a golden something for the best tackler will be nice. Golden socks may be? 

I prefer grouping players, creating categories based on their potentials: Decent, Good, greats, legends or however it suits you to label them. But we all know that’s just boring. It’s not catchy enough to tempt sponsors to finance a ceremony where football categories will be announced, right? So let’s stick to balls and golden and all that blink-y blink-y..

There are lots of names on the table. Some are real contenders. Others are there just for the organizers to “prove” they are not bias to specific leagues, teams, players, nationalities, sportswear brands, etc… But we all know- and they know that we know- they have no chance. The main contenders (alphabetically sorted) are Messi, Sneijder and Villa. And you can bet on others if you want as long as you don’t use my money.

Messi: He had his best season with the club on the individual level. So if he deserved it before, then no doubt he deserves it now. He is more mature now and takes responsibilities. He is becoming more and more team oriented. He scored more and contributed more defensively. He had some stunning performances throughout the season in the Liga and the Champions league. With Iniesta struggling with injuries, Ibra’s adaptation taking its time, Henry being mentally retired from the game, and Pedro still finding his way, it was up for Messi to carry the loads and he did it exceptionally well. His performance in the world cup was not out of this world, but much-much- better than what was written across the globe (Considering the fact that Maradona was a coach serving the opponents). Besides, he will not be the first player who wins that ball without winning the world cup.

Villa: I am happy for this player that he finally started to get recognition. That has nothing to do with his transfer to Barcelona. Right? Well, not sure about that. I can only sympathize with Valencia fans when they see their sold jewelry shining across the globe. He has no doubt led Spain to the final. Great form, great work rate, great dedication and lots of goals. He deserves that golden ball. But is he the one who deserves it most? I don’t think so. There were some other players who achieved a lot this whole year and not only during the summer. Is it his fault that his club didn’t help him? No. But that doesn’t take away anything from those who actually achieved titles or competed for them. We will never know what would have happened if he was at Barcelona last season. Maybe he would have been the only candidate. But that’s not the case. We will know next season though. It’s unfortunate and there is some unfairness, but there are others who deserve it more.

Sneijder: A player I like since his days with Ajax. A kit of skills that makes him serves both as a utility team player and a game changer. I like this type of players (notice that I said the word like twice so far). His time with Real Madrid was like passing through a dark tunnel. I thought that he will be another quality wasted. But then he made his move to Inter where he fits like a glove. He offered them what they lacked since years, a player who can link midfielder with offence. With Ibra leaving the club, there is no more “Kick the ball to Ibra” option. They didn’t need it anyway. Sneijder was more than just “a link”. He became the focal point for the buildup, dictated the tempo, orchestrated the offense, and scored goals when the team needed it most. If there is a player who deserves most of the credit for Inter’s achievements this season (which is not valid after all), it’s Sneijder. There were rumors that Manchester united is after him, and I say that’s a bit too late now. He is just where he fits best and if he stays I can see him taking the flame from Zanetti in the coming seasons as a leader and inspirer. He brought his form with him to the world cup and was the best performer for his team. Tomorrow he will play the final and if he wins it then it’s a deal done. But even if he doesn’t win, I don’t think that should take anything away from him.

As I pointed out, I am against individual prizes. But now that we are there, we must play the game based on fair rules. It has nothing to do with the team’s output, but more with the player individual performance. Saying so, it’s between Messi and Sneijder. If you have to pick only one of the two for your team, the choice is no brainer, which tells you who is better in the general terms. But again, there is a factor to take in consideration: This is a prize for the best player over a specific year, which is a truth that was ignored many times before (naming the injured Kaka last year as a nominee?). Taking that in considerations, the two players performed exceptionally as individuals, but Sneijder was the player who won more titles with his team and he was the man who decided lot of battles leading his teams to tittles (and world cup final so far). My heart is with Messi. My vote goes to Sneijder.