| QUOTE |
| Rijkaard: Messi Is Golden Ball Material, But... Frank Rijkaard is as impressed as anyone with Lionel Messi's recent powerhouse displays, the Barcelona manager claiming that his "unique" striker deserves to be considered for the Golden Ball. Nonetheless, the coach admitted that there are other factors - and other players - vying for the title... France Football will announce their Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) winner next month, the European Footballer of the Year award going to the player selected by a panel of footballing journalists to be the finest over the past twelve months. And Barcelona's Lionel Messi is definitely on the shortlist. The diminutive Argentine has caught the imagination of the footballing public in recent years - and, to a great extent - in the last month, with many tipping him for the award. Among his admirers is Barca coach Frank Rijkaard. "He's a unique player and he deserves it, because he can do things of almost imperceptible excellence," enthused Rijkaard. "He's a very serious candidate and a gem to watch. I fully believe that he deserves the Ballon d'Or." However, there remains a proviso or two. "Of course, one must consider players in all positions, and often they value those that have won titles," added the coach. The Dutch manager have have had half an eye on AC Milan's Kaka, who steered his side to Champions League glory, as he made that comment. Or, Manchester United' Cristiano Ronaldo could have been his source of inspiration. Indeed, there are numerous European stars who have lifted silverware both domestic and national - and even international - over the past twelve months. And it's not just trophies that count. Of course, while Messi is undeniably a world-class talent, consistency also plays a part, and the panel may be more apt to choose someone who displayed their best last season, and over a considerable period of time. Messi, debatably, fits that category. But so do many others. |
| QUOTE (Drizinha @ Sep 29 2007, 02:30 PM) |
| You know, I was thinking exactly the same this morning. He's indeed one of the candidates to get Golden Ball. I was always impressed by him, he's amazingly talented and the best young player at the moment, there's no doubt about that. I like him very very much :D ... Let's see what happens in December. |