Lionel Messi is Goal.com's top player of the 2008-09 season after winning the 'Goal.com Top 50' award!
The runner-up of the inaugural Goal.com 50 has climbed to the summit after his finest season to date, and one in which he cemented his reputation as one of the most skilful performers on the planet.
Yet his mesmerizing ability was never truly in doubt: all that was lacking was silverware to truly propel Messi to the summit.
Trophies in Catalunya are like buses in Britain: you wait for ages, then three come along at once. And Messi was at the centre of each of them.
But the tale begins last summer in far Beijing, where a tired Messi overcame a season's worth of fatigue to help Argentina to the gold medal at the Olympic Games, scoring two goals along the way and playing in the final.
Having got through the summer largely unscathed, things augured well for the Albiceleste hero, but it could all have been so different. It is barely remembered now, but Barcelona and Argentina were involved in an undignified scrap over the player's taking part in the Games, with the side otherwise in disarray due to the presidential election around Joan Laporta.
A 1-0 loss to Numancia for the Blaugrana on opening day had the alarm bells ringing, but as quickly as the 'crisis' at Camp Nou started, it ended. Messi, of course, was to be key in changing things around.
Hints that the lion was awakening came as Messi netted twice and otherwise looked decent against Sporting Gijon, and the same followed in the dismantling of Atletico Madrid in yet another 6-1 win.
The best was yet to come, though, as Messi netted in the very last minute at Camp Nou in the Clasico in December, the action being described in Goal.com LIVE commentary thus:
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLL! GOL GOL GOL GOL GOL! IT'S MESSI! WHAT A FINISH! Madrid threw everyone forward, leaving Henry wide open on the right. He played a perfect ball to Messi, who showed incredible composure to control and then chip it perfectly into the net. 2-0, GAME OVER!"
It was game over, in all senses. Not only did it seal a revenge Clasico victory, but it was the beginning of the end for Madrid's title challenge. Sure enough, Barca may have stumbled a bit after that, but with an uninjured Messi in full flight, the title was the Blaugrana's.
Top Dogs | The world's top two players celebrate
Of course, one cannot neglect to mention the other Clasico that season: the record-breaking 6-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid fans may wish to look away, but those with a fondness for Messi will love to reminisce on his player rating:
"Messi 9 - Helped to turn the tide of the match with that opening assist, and it was all one way from there as the youngster enjoyed a fine evening. A classic."
And all the while, he was turning it on in Europe, too.
In fact, just a few days prior, Messi's partner-in-crime, Andres Iniesta, had netted a late, great goal to put the Blaugrana through to the Champions League at the expense of Chelsea. But were it not for Messi, it wouldn't even have got to that stage: think back to his show-stopping performance in the 4-0 rout of Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, and of course that goal against Lyon in the previous round, one that would have had even Juninho gazing in wonder:
"Messi 8 - Started quietly, but then decided to roll up his sleeves. What a third goal. If you didn't see it, just one word will describe it for you: Messi-esque. Calm on the ball even under pressure."
But it was against Bayern that Manchester United, the finalist opponents, learned the true measure of their foe:
"Messi 9 - A cool, cool finish and great positioning for the first goal. Left Lell looking for dead and should have won a penalty before adding a poacher's goal. A dazzling delight."
Sure enough, Messi was in Rome, and he was in form. Samuel Eto'o scored the early opener, but it was a fitting end to a world-class season for Leo as he netted the second and sank United once and for all - with a header, no less!
"IT'S 2-0 FOR BARCELONA!!! IT'S LIONEL MESSI WITH A CRUCIAL HEADER!!! Carles Puyol came forward and the ball eventually found Xavi, 20 yards from goal, at the edge of the box. Xavi let in a sumptuous cross for Messi, who had peeled away from Ferdinand! He guided a wonderful touch on target and beat van der Sar with a fine effort! What a time to score!"
Indeed, that goal was, is, and will remain iconic. The diminutive Argentine - the boy whose earliest days at a footballer saw him too short to even get a proper kick on the ball - towered as a titan above Rio Ferdinand and placed the header with the accuracy of a man destined for the absolute top of his game.
There was no denying that over the course of the season Messi had deserved his goal, and his third club trophy.
And now, yet another individual accolade.
Congratulations to Lionel Messi, the Goal.com 50 winner 2008-09!
And as a special bonus for our readers, here is a video from a man who helped make it all possible. PartoftheGame.tv present an interview with Messi's very first coach, Salvador Aparicio, who sadly passed away last year. See how the legend began below...
Goal.com 50: Andres Iniesta (2)
at
4:50 AM
One thing you can't really call Andres Iniesta anymore is underrated. For long enough, he was pale-faced, awkward and unassuming in appearance; so much so that his immense talent almost went unnoticed on the world stage. He would never be mentioned alongside the best players in the world, not until now.
This season proved an immense breakthrough for the 25-year-old, who has represented Spain at every level and was scouted by Barcelona when part of Albacete's youth system at just 12 years of age. He may not be a Catalan, but has now spent over half his life representing the Blaugrana, and no level of outside interest looks like coaxing him away from Camp Nou.
And if there's one thing this season's outstanding performances produced, it was interest. It speaks volumes for the epic amount of respect commanded by the likes of Barcelona, and indeed sincere loyalty from their players, that there has been no 'CR9', no Kaka, no Ribery nor John Terry saga in the case of Iniesta. It's not for a lack of quality to be named alongside those other modern superstars, but simply in keeping with his unfancy demeanour and unambiguous, simple way of life.
That he pays no attention to the interest in his marvellous ability has always been part of his charm. There has been something bubbling under the surface about the versatile midfielder as early as in 2005, but even in his final full season under Frank Rijkaard, despite delivering quality and consistency, he didn't break out the high-end, show-stopping performances.
That, he saved for Pep Guardiola. The new coach at Camp Nou made every Cule's dream come true when he got the consistent best out of Xavi and Henry to form an unstoppable team, but equally outstanding was witnessing Leo Messi and yes, Andres Iniesta, kick on to yet another level of skill, potency and pedigree.
With string after string of stunning performances - whether as the front-most of a trident in midfield, on the left of a front three or even on the right in place of Messi - Iniesta's versatility no longer inhibited his momentum. The difference between being one of the best in a relatively bad bunch in 2007-08 and being one of the best of Los Peps was all too evident when gauging the perception of the diminutive playmaker between this year and last.
Iniesta is, in his own strange little way, now one of the most popular footballers around - particularly among the die-hard fans. He is certainly a favourite with Real Madrid, as Merengues had even set up a website to take donations in an attempt to sign the player from their eternal rivals.
Somehow, Iniesta became unfashionably fashionable. He was now that 'other player', that unexpected one to watch, the real deal behind the other superstars. In that sense, while the world's pundits and commentators attempted to play down Iniesta's star status, in collectively hailing him as Barcelona's dark horse, were doing more than enough to make the case for him themselves.
And if his talent was still a secret to some as the season reached its end, his crowning achievement - one that will etch him into eternal Blaugrana folklore - was his injury-time strike that stunned Stamford Bridge, as he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.
Hero | Iniesta celebrates screamer at the Bridge
It set up itself perfectly. Having seen the Blues hold out for a goalless draw at Camp Nou in the first leg, and then going one up from a Michael Essien wonder-goal early on in west London, for all their exertion, Barca were heading out - yet a single strike would put them through on away goals.
Now, Iniesta has exceptionally quick feet, a great range of passing, threatening pace and such mazy dribbling that he can, at times, be almost Messi-like to dispossess. His fatal flaw as an attacking midfielder is his reluctance to shoot.
Numerous half-opportunities presented themselves over the two legs - the second in particular - and each time, Andres seemingly lacked the self-belief to take the chance. But when there was no other choice but to hit Leo Messi's lay-off first time right at the death, the result was unforgettable. And when you consider his meek and soft-spoken demeanour, so was the celebration.
That was his unrivalled moment in the spotlight, and he continued to dazzle as a star performer, in his first appearance back from injury, when Barcelona destroyed Manchester United in the final, also picking up the Copa del Rey and Liga titles in an unprecedented Spanish treble. Not even Real Madrid, with all their legendary sides of years gone by, have managed that.
It is a truly great side - surely Barca's best ever - but for all Messi's forecasted phenomenon, he will struggle to top this season, as will new signing Dani Alves. Xavi's rise to the pinnacle of playmakers has come at his peak, Henry's resurgence can't last too long as he reaches the end of a fabulous career, Eto'o has left and not everyone is yet convinced by Ibrahimovic.
Maybe there's only one player in those ranks from whom we can expect much more; only one whose individual evolution could help sustain Barca's reign at the top, despite seemingly impossible expectations set by the triplete and Florentino Perez's immense threat to their primacy.
As it is, Iniesta has more to add to his game, having not managed stunning statistics in terms of goals and assists. His magic was weaved purely by his scintillating skill - an inspiration for any player of any position, any club or any country that the very best will eventually always get the recognition they deserve.
Then again, maybe Iniesta will never win the Ballon d'Or - in this instance, nor was he able to win the Goal.com 50 - but being everyone's second favourite player year after year - the player absolutely nobody seems to hate or underrate - could put his stock higher than many a Galactico by the time his career comes to an end. And when that time comes, this past season will surely be remembered as the most important of them all.
This season proved an immense breakthrough for the 25-year-old, who has represented Spain at every level and was scouted by Barcelona when part of Albacete's youth system at just 12 years of age. He may not be a Catalan, but has now spent over half his life representing the Blaugrana, and no level of outside interest looks like coaxing him away from Camp Nou.
And if there's one thing this season's outstanding performances produced, it was interest. It speaks volumes for the epic amount of respect commanded by the likes of Barcelona, and indeed sincere loyalty from their players, that there has been no 'CR9', no Kaka, no Ribery nor John Terry saga in the case of Iniesta. It's not for a lack of quality to be named alongside those other modern superstars, but simply in keeping with his unfancy demeanour and unambiguous, simple way of life.
That he pays no attention to the interest in his marvellous ability has always been part of his charm. There has been something bubbling under the surface about the versatile midfielder as early as in 2005, but even in his final full season under Frank Rijkaard, despite delivering quality and consistency, he didn't break out the high-end, show-stopping performances.
That, he saved for Pep Guardiola. The new coach at Camp Nou made every Cule's dream come true when he got the consistent best out of Xavi and Henry to form an unstoppable team, but equally outstanding was witnessing Leo Messi and yes, Andres Iniesta, kick on to yet another level of skill, potency and pedigree.
With string after string of stunning performances - whether as the front-most of a trident in midfield, on the left of a front three or even on the right in place of Messi - Iniesta's versatility no longer inhibited his momentum. The difference between being one of the best in a relatively bad bunch in 2007-08 and being one of the best of Los Peps was all too evident when gauging the perception of the diminutive playmaker between this year and last.
Iniesta is, in his own strange little way, now one of the most popular footballers around - particularly among the die-hard fans. He is certainly a favourite with Real Madrid, as Merengues had even set up a website to take donations in an attempt to sign the player from their eternal rivals.
Somehow, Iniesta became unfashionably fashionable. He was now that 'other player', that unexpected one to watch, the real deal behind the other superstars. In that sense, while the world's pundits and commentators attempted to play down Iniesta's star status, in collectively hailing him as Barcelona's dark horse, were doing more than enough to make the case for him themselves.
And if his talent was still a secret to some as the season reached its end, his crowning achievement - one that will etch him into eternal Blaugrana folklore - was his injury-time strike that stunned Stamford Bridge, as he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.
Hero | Iniesta celebrates screamer at the Bridge
It set up itself perfectly. Having seen the Blues hold out for a goalless draw at Camp Nou in the first leg, and then going one up from a Michael Essien wonder-goal early on in west London, for all their exertion, Barca were heading out - yet a single strike would put them through on away goals.
Now, Iniesta has exceptionally quick feet, a great range of passing, threatening pace and such mazy dribbling that he can, at times, be almost Messi-like to dispossess. His fatal flaw as an attacking midfielder is his reluctance to shoot.
Numerous half-opportunities presented themselves over the two legs - the second in particular - and each time, Andres seemingly lacked the self-belief to take the chance. But when there was no other choice but to hit Leo Messi's lay-off first time right at the death, the result was unforgettable. And when you consider his meek and soft-spoken demeanour, so was the celebration.
That was his unrivalled moment in the spotlight, and he continued to dazzle as a star performer, in his first appearance back from injury, when Barcelona destroyed Manchester United in the final, also picking up the Copa del Rey and Liga titles in an unprecedented Spanish treble. Not even Real Madrid, with all their legendary sides of years gone by, have managed that.
It is a truly great side - surely Barca's best ever - but for all Messi's forecasted phenomenon, he will struggle to top this season, as will new signing Dani Alves. Xavi's rise to the pinnacle of playmakers has come at his peak, Henry's resurgence can't last too long as he reaches the end of a fabulous career, Eto'o has left and not everyone is yet convinced by Ibrahimovic.
Maybe there's only one player in those ranks from whom we can expect much more; only one whose individual evolution could help sustain Barca's reign at the top, despite seemingly impossible expectations set by the triplete and Florentino Perez's immense threat to their primacy.
As it is, Iniesta has more to add to his game, having not managed stunning statistics in terms of goals and assists. His magic was weaved purely by his scintillating skill - an inspiration for any player of any position, any club or any country that the very best will eventually always get the recognition they deserve.
Then again, maybe Iniesta will never win the Ballon d'Or - in this instance, nor was he able to win the Goal.com 50 - but being everyone's second favourite player year after year - the player absolutely nobody seems to hate or underrate - could put his stock higher than many a Galactico by the time his career comes to an end. And when that time comes, this past season will surely be remembered as the most important of them all.
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Goal.com 50: Xavi (3)
at
4:49 AM
He is not the most talented footballer on Earth, and was never really built up as the next big thing in the game. He is not gifted with audacious skills or sensational flamboyance, and hasn't scored ten goals in a single league campaign. He doesn't even have the most primitive prerequisite of football - an ability to run: at most, he walks very fast.
Yet Xavi Hernandez is the best central midfielder on the planet, and in the 2008-2009 season was one of the three top players in the world. If it weren't for the genius of Lionel Messi and the creative invention of Andres Iniesta, Xavi could well have been the best in the world, a Ballon d'Or contender, as last season was arguably the strongest in Xavi's career.
2007-2008 might have ended with the pasillo, but the Euro 2008 conquest with Spain in the summer revived both Xavi and Barcelona. For Xavi, it was the marked return to form, as he out-passed, out-smarted and out-thought everyone in Austria and Switzerland, establishing himself as the best in his position.
Exploits In Spain
Asked by new coach Josep Guardiola to play slightly higher up the pitch and contribute more to the attack, with the assurance of Yaya Toure behind him, Xavi played the role he was always destined to play: the ‘Pep Guardiola role’.
Since the Santpedor-born great had left Barcelona, there had been a void in the middle of the park. Xavi had filled that space in previous seasons, but in 2008-2009 he actually outdid his predecessor and coach and made it ‘the Xavi role’.
Creator & Scorer | Xavi shows his dual character
Described by one columnist as a "static" player in "a classic combination of static and dynamic”, Xavi sat in central midfield and didn't move, but he did orchestrate Barcelona's moves. His ability to find holes in the opposition’s back line, intelligence to discern small spaces for himself, play crisp through balls and whip in accurate crosses, all with marvellous consistency, made Xavi the midfielder-in-chief of this galactic Barcelona side that played frighteningly entertaining football last season. One Madrid-based Spanish football journalist defined Xavi as "the man who keeps Barcelona ticking and never rotates - or loses the ball".
Perhaps the best moment in the Primera Division for the 29-year-old was his masterclass performance against Real Madrid in the second Clasico of the season at the Bernabeu, in which he taught the Madrid players how to retain possession and control the game as he led his team to a 6-2 triumph. The Catalan eventually ended the league season as the top assist provider (20).
Even in the Copa del Rey, Xavi's presence was discernible as he scored the final goal in Barcelona’s 4-1 comeback victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final.
European Conquest
European Champions | Xavi's Career On A High
Just as in Spain, Xavi proved his mettle in Europe. He was by far the best central midfielder in his position in the Champions League as he attested that players with intelligence and technique but bereft of pace can still have a place in modern day's F1-paced, aggressive and often technically hollow approach.
In the final against Manchester United in Rome, it was again Xavi who was at the heart of every string of passes that Barcelona weaved. He created Lionel Messi's headed goal, threaded in passes for Thierry Henry, Carles Puyol and Iniesta, and had a free kick rattle the post.
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Barcelona's "strength was their central midfielders", adding, "It wasn't really Messi who was the problem, it was Iniesta and Xavi. They can keep the ball all night long."
Xavi continued with his good form in the Confederations Cup, but the absence of Iniesta rendered the masterclass midfielder somewhat redundant. He has an almost telepathic understanding with the 25-year-old, and although Xavi's overall performance in South Africa was encouraging, perhaps a degree of fatigue has crept in.
Nevertheless, that slight blip cannot dislodge Xavi from his position as the best central midfielder in the world.
Yet Xavi Hernandez is the best central midfielder on the planet, and in the 2008-2009 season was one of the three top players in the world. If it weren't for the genius of Lionel Messi and the creative invention of Andres Iniesta, Xavi could well have been the best in the world, a Ballon d'Or contender, as last season was arguably the strongest in Xavi's career.
2007-2008 might have ended with the pasillo, but the Euro 2008 conquest with Spain in the summer revived both Xavi and Barcelona. For Xavi, it was the marked return to form, as he out-passed, out-smarted and out-thought everyone in Austria and Switzerland, establishing himself as the best in his position.
Exploits In Spain
Asked by new coach Josep Guardiola to play slightly higher up the pitch and contribute more to the attack, with the assurance of Yaya Toure behind him, Xavi played the role he was always destined to play: the ‘Pep Guardiola role’.
Since the Santpedor-born great had left Barcelona, there had been a void in the middle of the park. Xavi had filled that space in previous seasons, but in 2008-2009 he actually outdid his predecessor and coach and made it ‘the Xavi role’.
Creator & Scorer | Xavi shows his dual character
Described by one columnist as a "static" player in "a classic combination of static and dynamic”, Xavi sat in central midfield and didn't move, but he did orchestrate Barcelona's moves. His ability to find holes in the opposition’s back line, intelligence to discern small spaces for himself, play crisp through balls and whip in accurate crosses, all with marvellous consistency, made Xavi the midfielder-in-chief of this galactic Barcelona side that played frighteningly entertaining football last season. One Madrid-based Spanish football journalist defined Xavi as "the man who keeps Barcelona ticking and never rotates - or loses the ball".
Perhaps the best moment in the Primera Division for the 29-year-old was his masterclass performance against Real Madrid in the second Clasico of the season at the Bernabeu, in which he taught the Madrid players how to retain possession and control the game as he led his team to a 6-2 triumph. The Catalan eventually ended the league season as the top assist provider (20).
Even in the Copa del Rey, Xavi's presence was discernible as he scored the final goal in Barcelona’s 4-1 comeback victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final.
European Conquest
European Champions | Xavi's Career On A High
Just as in Spain, Xavi proved his mettle in Europe. He was by far the best central midfielder in his position in the Champions League as he attested that players with intelligence and technique but bereft of pace can still have a place in modern day's F1-paced, aggressive and often technically hollow approach.
In the final against Manchester United in Rome, it was again Xavi who was at the heart of every string of passes that Barcelona weaved. He created Lionel Messi's headed goal, threaded in passes for Thierry Henry, Carles Puyol and Iniesta, and had a free kick rattle the post.
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Barcelona's "strength was their central midfielders", adding, "It wasn't really Messi who was the problem, it was Iniesta and Xavi. They can keep the ball all night long."
Xavi continued with his good form in the Confederations Cup, but the absence of Iniesta rendered the masterclass midfielder somewhat redundant. He has an almost telepathic understanding with the 25-year-old, and although Xavi's overall performance in South Africa was encouraging, perhaps a degree of fatigue has crept in.
Nevertheless, that slight blip cannot dislodge Xavi from his position as the best central midfielder in the world.
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Goal.com 50: Cristiano Ronaldo (4)
at
4:49 AM
How on earth can you better a 42 goal 2007-08 season? You can't, quite simply, but if you're Cristiano Ronaldo you can come closer than most could, and remain the world's most talked about player in the process.
The caterpillar that was CR7 has, of course, now emerged as CR9, a Bernabeu butterfly, finally signing for Madrid in a ridiculous €94 million deal, following a bitter, public battle of wills between Manchester United and los Blancos, as well as behind-the-scenes pre-contract tomfoolery.
The 2008-09 season started slowly for Ronaldo, as he'd undergone ankle surgery in July following a quarter-final Euro 2008 exit at the hands of eventual runners-up Germany. His Portugal side continue to struggle, and thus we may be deprived of Ronaldo – the nation's new skipper under coach Carlos Queiroz – at World Cup 2010.
He gradually found form towards the end of 2008, having made his comeback and then scored his first goal of the season in mid-September. As United crushed Stoke City on November 15, he scored two stunning free-kicks: goals number 100 and 101 of his united career. Then, on December 2, he was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or gong, albeit primarily for his work the previous season.
2009 started in explosive fashion. In January he infamously crashed his Ferrari in a tunnel, writing it off, before completing a remarkable individual double by being named FIFA World Player of the Year.
Still, Cristiano, and indeed Manchester United as a whole, were struggling through the gears, under severe title pressure from Liverpool. Gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson had been promising the usual post-Christmas surge, and his prediction was on the money.
Pucker Up | Cristiano Picks Up Another Trophy
For Ronaldo, it was also time to finally put the highs of 2008 out of his mind. For all his achievements, many still believed that he was yet to produce his best form on the biggest stage. The highly anticipated Champions League knock-out showdown with Jose Mourinho's Inter was a perfect showcase for the winger-cum-forward to finally shake his 'big game flop' tag.
Throughout the first leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Ronaldo was really in the mood. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, even within the Nerazzurri faithful, and the Portuguese threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Italians. The first leg ended 0-0 and, even though he scored what would turn out to be a killer second in the 2-0 return leg, Inter finished strongly and were perhaps unlucky, somewhat nullifying the impact of Ronaldo's headed goal.
In the second leg of the quarter-final clash with Porto, though, the Portuguese scored a 40-yard wonder goal after just six minutes which would see United through 3-2 on aggregate. He also made the difference in the semis against Arsenal, scoring the second and third goals in the 'men against boys' semi-final second leg win over the Gunners, securing a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
There would be no happy ending in Rome, of course. The Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi final fully belonged to the little Argentine, whose Barcelona shrugged off an insipid United. Ronaldo, however, put in a committed individual display. All-in-all, few could argue with much conviction that Cristiano had underperformed in Europe.
Domestically? His 18 goals in 33 appearances helped United to another Premier League title, the Red Devils' third on the trot, and he scored a couple during United's successful League Cup campaign, also netting a penalty in the shoot-out final win over Tottenham Hotspur. His seasonal tally was 26 goals in 53 appearances, yet on the whole there was something – almost an intangible – missing from his body of work.
Still, the Portuguese powerhouse is surely well worth his top-five ranking and will be looking to haul himself back to the top of the pile as the new Galacticos era begins at the Bernabeu.
The caterpillar that was CR7 has, of course, now emerged as CR9, a Bernabeu butterfly, finally signing for Madrid in a ridiculous €94 million deal, following a bitter, public battle of wills between Manchester United and los Blancos, as well as behind-the-scenes pre-contract tomfoolery.
The 2008-09 season started slowly for Ronaldo, as he'd undergone ankle surgery in July following a quarter-final Euro 2008 exit at the hands of eventual runners-up Germany. His Portugal side continue to struggle, and thus we may be deprived of Ronaldo – the nation's new skipper under coach Carlos Queiroz – at World Cup 2010.
He gradually found form towards the end of 2008, having made his comeback and then scored his first goal of the season in mid-September. As United crushed Stoke City on November 15, he scored two stunning free-kicks: goals number 100 and 101 of his united career. Then, on December 2, he was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or gong, albeit primarily for his work the previous season.
2009 started in explosive fashion. In January he infamously crashed his Ferrari in a tunnel, writing it off, before completing a remarkable individual double by being named FIFA World Player of the Year.
Still, Cristiano, and indeed Manchester United as a whole, were struggling through the gears, under severe title pressure from Liverpool. Gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson had been promising the usual post-Christmas surge, and his prediction was on the money.
Pucker Up | Cristiano Picks Up Another Trophy
For Ronaldo, it was also time to finally put the highs of 2008 out of his mind. For all his achievements, many still believed that he was yet to produce his best form on the biggest stage. The highly anticipated Champions League knock-out showdown with Jose Mourinho's Inter was a perfect showcase for the winger-cum-forward to finally shake his 'big game flop' tag.
Throughout the first leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Ronaldo was really in the mood. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, even within the Nerazzurri faithful, and the Portuguese threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Italians. The first leg ended 0-0 and, even though he scored what would turn out to be a killer second in the 2-0 return leg, Inter finished strongly and were perhaps unlucky, somewhat nullifying the impact of Ronaldo's headed goal.
In the second leg of the quarter-final clash with Porto, though, the Portuguese scored a 40-yard wonder goal after just six minutes which would see United through 3-2 on aggregate. He also made the difference in the semis against Arsenal, scoring the second and third goals in the 'men against boys' semi-final second leg win over the Gunners, securing a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
There would be no happy ending in Rome, of course. The Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi final fully belonged to the little Argentine, whose Barcelona shrugged off an insipid United. Ronaldo, however, put in a committed individual display. All-in-all, few could argue with much conviction that Cristiano had underperformed in Europe.
Domestically? His 18 goals in 33 appearances helped United to another Premier League title, the Red Devils' third on the trot, and he scored a couple during United's successful League Cup campaign, also netting a penalty in the shoot-out final win over Tottenham Hotspur. His seasonal tally was 26 goals in 53 appearances, yet on the whole there was something – almost an intangible – missing from his body of work.
Still, the Portuguese powerhouse is surely well worth his top-five ranking and will be looking to haul himself back to the top of the pile as the new Galacticos era begins at the Bernabeu.
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Goal.com 50: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (5)
at
4:48 AM
There are few players, if any, whose impact for their team rivals that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Inter last season.
The Swede was seemingly their only consistent source of attacking ideas, but a formidable one at that, and it could be seen from the very beginning of the season. By October, he was in full swing, scoring a fantastic back-heel effort against Bologna - a strong contender the ‘Goal of the Season’ - and also brushing aside rivals Roma with a superb brace en route to a 4-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico.
When the Swede was short of ideas, Inter looked impotent. Luckily, on the domestic stage, that was rarely the case.
All-star performances against Palermo, Chievo, Lazio, Genoa, Fiorentina and Juventus from November and beyond were nothing short of dominating, as defences had no answer to him. Whether it be his physicality, long range strikes or creativity, many sides struggled to contain one of the most complete forwards in football today as he led Inter to their fourth consecutive Serie A crown.
His exploits in Serie A earned him a personal title as well - 25 goals saw him take home the coveted Capocannoniere for the first time in his career. Unsurprisingly, he clinched it with another vintage display – scoring a brace in a 4-3 win over Atalanta on the final day of the season.
However, as Ibra’s trend of domestic domination this season continues, so does his tendency to fall short on the continental stage. The Nerazzurri were simply no match for Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16, and Ibrahimovic admitted as much.
“It’s disappointing because we allowed them to score early in both halves,” he told Rai after Inter's 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
“Despite their goals, we continued to play well. We hit the post twice, and I went close to scoring on two other occasions. We played with real confidence and character, but it was not enough.”
The 27-year-old has been apt at disappearing on the continental stage, but Inter’s failure could hardly be pinned only on his shoulders this time. Nonetheless, his lack of productivity was evident in the Champions League, with just one goal in 2008-09.
On the international stage, Sweden and Ibrahimovic risk missing out on the World Cup as they sit with nine points from six matches in Group 1. The forward will have to take his team by the scruff of the neck if he wants to be in South Africa next June.
A tribute to his incredible technical ability lies in the fact that treble winners Barcelona were willing to exchange top scorer Samuel Eto’o plus €45 million for his services. An ambitious player like Ibra, who has won a great deal in just three years at Inter, jumped eagerly at the challenge.
One wonders whether the ex-Juventus man can continue the constant improvement he has shown over the past few seasons. Ibra does not have to prove he is a great forward - that is already evident. The player wants to prove he is the best by winning the Ballon d’Or, but to do that he will have to do the one thing he has not been able to achieve at club level – win the Champions League – no longer with Inter, but with Barcelona.
The Swede was seemingly their only consistent source of attacking ideas, but a formidable one at that, and it could be seen from the very beginning of the season. By October, he was in full swing, scoring a fantastic back-heel effort against Bologna - a strong contender the ‘Goal of the Season’ - and also brushing aside rivals Roma with a superb brace en route to a 4-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico.
When the Swede was short of ideas, Inter looked impotent. Luckily, on the domestic stage, that was rarely the case.
All-star performances against Palermo, Chievo, Lazio, Genoa, Fiorentina and Juventus from November and beyond were nothing short of dominating, as defences had no answer to him. Whether it be his physicality, long range strikes or creativity, many sides struggled to contain one of the most complete forwards in football today as he led Inter to their fourth consecutive Serie A crown.
His exploits in Serie A earned him a personal title as well - 25 goals saw him take home the coveted Capocannoniere for the first time in his career. Unsurprisingly, he clinched it with another vintage display – scoring a brace in a 4-3 win over Atalanta on the final day of the season.
However, as Ibra’s trend of domestic domination this season continues, so does his tendency to fall short on the continental stage. The Nerazzurri were simply no match for Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16, and Ibrahimovic admitted as much.
“It’s disappointing because we allowed them to score early in both halves,” he told Rai after Inter's 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
“Despite their goals, we continued to play well. We hit the post twice, and I went close to scoring on two other occasions. We played with real confidence and character, but it was not enough.”
The 27-year-old has been apt at disappearing on the continental stage, but Inter’s failure could hardly be pinned only on his shoulders this time. Nonetheless, his lack of productivity was evident in the Champions League, with just one goal in 2008-09.
On the international stage, Sweden and Ibrahimovic risk missing out on the World Cup as they sit with nine points from six matches in Group 1. The forward will have to take his team by the scruff of the neck if he wants to be in South Africa next June.
A tribute to his incredible technical ability lies in the fact that treble winners Barcelona were willing to exchange top scorer Samuel Eto’o plus €45 million for his services. An ambitious player like Ibra, who has won a great deal in just three years at Inter, jumped eagerly at the challenge.
One wonders whether the ex-Juventus man can continue the constant improvement he has shown over the past few seasons. Ibra does not have to prove he is a great forward - that is already evident. The player wants to prove he is the best by winning the Ballon d’Or, but to do that he will have to do the one thing he has not been able to achieve at club level – win the Champions League – no longer with Inter, but with Barcelona.
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Goal.com 50: Daniel Alves (6)
at
4:47 AM
Daniel Alves is unquestionably one of the most flamboyant full-backs in football today. And following his move from Sevilla to Barcelona in the summer of 2008 for a reported upfront fee of €29 million, plus an additional €6 million based on performances, he became the most expensive right-back in the world. Although, if you believe Sevilla president, Jose Maria del Nido, the buccaneering Brazilian actually cost €41 million in total.
But whatever the price, he was worth every euro for Barcelona.
Dani boy slipped in seamlessly and blended into his new, star-studded team as he impressed right from the word go, making it look as though he had been playing with the side for years. His style fitted perfectly into coach Pep Guardiola’s footballing philosophies.
Like any good Brazilian full-back, he has a thunderbolt of a free kick, one that doesn’t always guarantee goals but is sure to leave tongues wagging when it does end up in the back of the net.
His often telepathic partnership with Lionel Messi down the right wing was a joy to behold last term, as the duo would constantly trade one-twos, overlap each other’s runs and carve open defences like a double-headed axe through melting butter.
It was little surprise then that the 26-year-old was able to boast nine assists and five goals in total in La Liga last term - a typically noteworthy haul for a full-back who loves charging forward. But he’s not all about reckless attacking. He also defends diligently, and although he doesn’t have the searing pace of a Roberto Carlos, he’s still incredibly quick and he has the stamina of a horse.
What is even more vital to his game is his phenomenal fitness levels. He hardly ever gets injured or needs extra time to recharge his batteries, completing the 2008-09 campaign having played 34 league matches, eight Copa matches and 12 in the Champions League.
High Flyer | Dani goes soaring through the air
However, all his hard work throughout the season came to a rather anti-climatic end for him personally when he was forced to sit out the show-piece final of Europe’s blue ribbon club competition against Manchester United due to suspension.
Still, his immense contribution and involvement throughout the campaign helped Barcelona to an historic treble, and one of his most significant but unheralded exploits was providing the decisive cross that led to Andres Iniesta’s at-the-death goal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.
Despite his achievements, he was, and in a way still is, very much the second choice right-back with the Brazilian national team. It wasn’t until Maicon’s season-ending injury in March that Alves get a chance to prove his worth.
But just as he did for Barca, he impressed straight away with the Selecao, and in the subsequent qualifiers against Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay, he made two assists and scored one goal.
He brought his 2008-09 programme to a close with a victory in the FIFA Confederations Cup to add to his three pieces of silverware for Barcelona. Although he only played little over 20 minutes in the final against the USA, he scored the all-important winning goal for Brazil against South Africa in the semi-finals.
Having won everything last season, Dani Alves will be striving to double his trophy count next term and cap everything off with the big one: the World Cup. He will also look to cement his status as the best right-back on the planet.
But whatever the price, he was worth every euro for Barcelona.
Dani boy slipped in seamlessly and blended into his new, star-studded team as he impressed right from the word go, making it look as though he had been playing with the side for years. His style fitted perfectly into coach Pep Guardiola’s footballing philosophies.
Like any good Brazilian full-back, he has a thunderbolt of a free kick, one that doesn’t always guarantee goals but is sure to leave tongues wagging when it does end up in the back of the net.
His often telepathic partnership with Lionel Messi down the right wing was a joy to behold last term, as the duo would constantly trade one-twos, overlap each other’s runs and carve open defences like a double-headed axe through melting butter.
It was little surprise then that the 26-year-old was able to boast nine assists and five goals in total in La Liga last term - a typically noteworthy haul for a full-back who loves charging forward. But he’s not all about reckless attacking. He also defends diligently, and although he doesn’t have the searing pace of a Roberto Carlos, he’s still incredibly quick and he has the stamina of a horse.
What is even more vital to his game is his phenomenal fitness levels. He hardly ever gets injured or needs extra time to recharge his batteries, completing the 2008-09 campaign having played 34 league matches, eight Copa matches and 12 in the Champions League.
High Flyer | Dani goes soaring through the air
However, all his hard work throughout the season came to a rather anti-climatic end for him personally when he was forced to sit out the show-piece final of Europe’s blue ribbon club competition against Manchester United due to suspension.
Still, his immense contribution and involvement throughout the campaign helped Barcelona to an historic treble, and one of his most significant but unheralded exploits was providing the decisive cross that led to Andres Iniesta’s at-the-death goal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.
Despite his achievements, he was, and in a way still is, very much the second choice right-back with the Brazilian national team. It wasn’t until Maicon’s season-ending injury in March that Alves get a chance to prove his worth.
But just as he did for Barca, he impressed straight away with the Selecao, and in the subsequent qualifiers against Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay, he made two assists and scored one goal.
He brought his 2008-09 programme to a close with a victory in the FIFA Confederations Cup to add to his three pieces of silverware for Barcelona. Although he only played little over 20 minutes in the final against the USA, he scored the all-important winning goal for Brazil against South Africa in the semi-finals.
Having won everything last season, Dani Alves will be striving to double his trophy count next term and cap everything off with the big one: the World Cup. He will also look to cement his status as the best right-back on the planet.
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Goal.com 50: Nemanja Vidic (7)
at
4:47 AM
After a stellar performance in the 2007-08 season, Nemanja Vidic’s gaze was set on becoming the world’s top central defender. Cristiano Ronaldo’s attacking vigour characterised that campaign, but Vida’s concrete presence at the back was just as pivotal.
Fresh from a summer free of international commitments due to Serbia’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008, he set to work solidifying the foundations of Manchester United's Premier League and Champions League title defences.
Again the club began in goal-shy fashion as record signing Dimitar Berbatov failed to repay his transfer fee and Ronaldo sat on the sidelines with an ankle injury. This lethargy transferred to the entire side as even the number 15 started slowly.
During the Bulgarian’s September debut against Liverpool, the first of Vidic's well publicised set-backs against the Merseysiders took place as a reckless lunge with the elbow at Xabi Alonso resulted in a red card as the team went down 2-1 at Anfield.
Trailing in the wake of Rafa Benitez’s charges, the pressure started to tell. A hopeless performance against Hull City’s journeymen strikers Marlon King and Daniel Cousin threatened the least likely comeback in Premier League history as United scraped through 4-3 at the end of October.
Rather than wallowing in embarrassment, the Serbian’s fighting spirit came to the fore. Alongside Rio Ferdinand, the finest central defensive pairing in the game kicked on the Red Devils’ charge up the table.
After tasting defeat in the classic with Arsenal on November 8, he was a starter in each of a record breaking 14-match run of clean sheets in the English top flight.
Beginning with a shut out in the 5-0 victory over Stoke City, an iron curtain was placed around goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar.
A winning visit to Japan for the inaugural FIFA Club World Championship interrupted this. Another wayward elbow condemned him to a place in the dressing room though, as he was dismissed by the referee during the final against Copa Libertadores victors LDU Quito.
Number One | Vida makes his point
Back to domestic action in time for the relentless festive fixture list, Vida excelled in his role as the talisman at the back. Even without injured trio Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, his presence ensued the rest of the league had to wait for the March trip to Newcastle before the Mancunians net was rippled again.
That month was one to forget. Amateurish defending in the face of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard in the return fixture against Liverpool resulted in a shocking mistake for the Spaniard’s goal and marching orders once again for a tug on the captain’s shirt.
The Reds Premier League wobble wasn’t to last and the trophy was secured for the third successive season. There was to be no repeat of the Champions League victory, however. Again, Vida was culpable in a high profile match as his failure to prevent Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o from turning inside set the wheels in motion for a 2-0 defeat.
Regardless of these clangers, the former Spartak Moscow man stands tall as the premier centre-back in world football. His relentless drive and commitment to the cause was rightly rewarded with a clean sweep of the Manchester United Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals will certainly be missed at Old Trafford next season, but with Vidic in place at the back, keeping them out won’t be a problem.
Fresh from a summer free of international commitments due to Serbia’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008, he set to work solidifying the foundations of Manchester United's Premier League and Champions League title defences.
Again the club began in goal-shy fashion as record signing Dimitar Berbatov failed to repay his transfer fee and Ronaldo sat on the sidelines with an ankle injury. This lethargy transferred to the entire side as even the number 15 started slowly.
During the Bulgarian’s September debut against Liverpool, the first of Vidic's well publicised set-backs against the Merseysiders took place as a reckless lunge with the elbow at Xabi Alonso resulted in a red card as the team went down 2-1 at Anfield.
Trailing in the wake of Rafa Benitez’s charges, the pressure started to tell. A hopeless performance against Hull City’s journeymen strikers Marlon King and Daniel Cousin threatened the least likely comeback in Premier League history as United scraped through 4-3 at the end of October.
Rather than wallowing in embarrassment, the Serbian’s fighting spirit came to the fore. Alongside Rio Ferdinand, the finest central defensive pairing in the game kicked on the Red Devils’ charge up the table.
After tasting defeat in the classic with Arsenal on November 8, he was a starter in each of a record breaking 14-match run of clean sheets in the English top flight.
Beginning with a shut out in the 5-0 victory over Stoke City, an iron curtain was placed around goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar.
A winning visit to Japan for the inaugural FIFA Club World Championship interrupted this. Another wayward elbow condemned him to a place in the dressing room though, as he was dismissed by the referee during the final against Copa Libertadores victors LDU Quito.
Number One | Vida makes his point
Back to domestic action in time for the relentless festive fixture list, Vida excelled in his role as the talisman at the back. Even without injured trio Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, his presence ensued the rest of the league had to wait for the March trip to Newcastle before the Mancunians net was rippled again.
That month was one to forget. Amateurish defending in the face of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard in the return fixture against Liverpool resulted in a shocking mistake for the Spaniard’s goal and marching orders once again for a tug on the captain’s shirt.
The Reds Premier League wobble wasn’t to last and the trophy was secured for the third successive season. There was to be no repeat of the Champions League victory, however. Again, Vida was culpable in a high profile match as his failure to prevent Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o from turning inside set the wheels in motion for a 2-0 defeat.
Regardless of these clangers, the former Spartak Moscow man stands tall as the premier centre-back in world football. His relentless drive and commitment to the cause was rightly rewarded with a clean sweep of the Manchester United Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals will certainly be missed at Old Trafford next season, but with Vidic in place at the back, keeping them out won’t be a problem.
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Goal.com 50: Maicon (8)
at
4:46 AM
Defending might be an art but defenders are not always considered artists. Roberto Carlos and Paolo Maldini might be legends but they never managed to get their hands on the Ballon d'Or or the FIFA World Player of the Year award, and the fact that Maicon Douglas Sisenando could make it to the top 10 of the Goal.com 50 is an achievement in itself.
Not that anyone can take it from him. Daniel Alves might stake claim in being the best right-back in the world at the moment, which he might well be, but there is no doubt that Maicon is more balanced and perhaps more powerful, although not as graceful as his Brazilian compatriot. Last year's campaign was Maicon's best season to-date as he led both his club and country to fame and glory.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic might have been the top scorer in the league last season and was Serie A's and Inter's player of the season, but take Maicon out of the Nerazzurri set-up and the Italian champions would become half the team they are. While 'Ibracadabra' was the striker-cum-playmaker who deceived defenders with his class and deftness, Maicon was the force from the back, who bulldozed through the opposition with his direct, incisive approach.
In the first half of the season Maicon was the best defender in the Italian top flight, a claim attested by his unparalleled performance against Chievo in December when the 28-year-old was involved in three of the four Inter goals. Although his performance dipped slightly in the second half mainly because of injuries, the Brazilian international full-back remained a force along the right flank for Inter. So much so that Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini remarked, “Inter are a great side, but without phenomenons like Ibra and Maicon they would really, really struggle.”
Maicon ended the Serie A season with four goals and five assists in 27 starts but statistics tell only half the story. All those who followed Inter and Maicon closely in the 2008-09 campaign must have marveled at his link-up plays and tireless running up and down the flank. Besides 'Ibra' there was precious little talent upfront for Jose Mourinho's side, which perhaps didn't allow Maicon to create as much as he could have.
Full Focused | Maicon keeps his eyes on the prize
But playing for Brazil, Maicon could create as much as he wanted to and did so too at the Confederations Cup in South Africa in the summer. Ahead of Dani Alves in the pecking order for the Brazilian national side, Maicon was the best right-back in the competition.
Daniel Alves stepped in for Maicon in the opener against Egypt but after that it was Maicon who got the nod ahead of the Barcelona right-back. Maicon was marvellous against the USA in both matches and was arguably the best player on the pitch against Italy.
As Maicon ended the 2008-09 season on a high, establishing himself as arguably the best right-back in the world, winning the scudetto and the Confederations Cup, uncertainty abut his future at Inter began to manifest itself. Maicon was quoted as saying that he isn't appreciated enough at Inter and his agent remains open to a move to Spanish powerhouse and this summer’s free-spenders Real Madrid. Things might have cooled down a little but with Florentino Perez's power to convince and Madrid's construction of a neo-Galactico team, one can never tell.
But one thing's for sure: Maicon's departure from Inter would make the Nerazzurri a less frightening side.
Not that anyone can take it from him. Daniel Alves might stake claim in being the best right-back in the world at the moment, which he might well be, but there is no doubt that Maicon is more balanced and perhaps more powerful, although not as graceful as his Brazilian compatriot. Last year's campaign was Maicon's best season to-date as he led both his club and country to fame and glory.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic might have been the top scorer in the league last season and was Serie A's and Inter's player of the season, but take Maicon out of the Nerazzurri set-up and the Italian champions would become half the team they are. While 'Ibracadabra' was the striker-cum-playmaker who deceived defenders with his class and deftness, Maicon was the force from the back, who bulldozed through the opposition with his direct, incisive approach.
In the first half of the season Maicon was the best defender in the Italian top flight, a claim attested by his unparalleled performance against Chievo in December when the 28-year-old was involved in three of the four Inter goals. Although his performance dipped slightly in the second half mainly because of injuries, the Brazilian international full-back remained a force along the right flank for Inter. So much so that Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini remarked, “Inter are a great side, but without phenomenons like Ibra and Maicon they would really, really struggle.”
Maicon ended the Serie A season with four goals and five assists in 27 starts but statistics tell only half the story. All those who followed Inter and Maicon closely in the 2008-09 campaign must have marveled at his link-up plays and tireless running up and down the flank. Besides 'Ibra' there was precious little talent upfront for Jose Mourinho's side, which perhaps didn't allow Maicon to create as much as he could have.
Full Focused | Maicon keeps his eyes on the prize
But playing for Brazil, Maicon could create as much as he wanted to and did so too at the Confederations Cup in South Africa in the summer. Ahead of Dani Alves in the pecking order for the Brazilian national side, Maicon was the best right-back in the competition.
Daniel Alves stepped in for Maicon in the opener against Egypt but after that it was Maicon who got the nod ahead of the Barcelona right-back. Maicon was marvellous against the USA in both matches and was arguably the best player on the pitch against Italy.
As Maicon ended the 2008-09 season on a high, establishing himself as arguably the best right-back in the world, winning the scudetto and the Confederations Cup, uncertainty abut his future at Inter began to manifest itself. Maicon was quoted as saying that he isn't appreciated enough at Inter and his agent remains open to a move to Spanish powerhouse and this summer’s free-spenders Real Madrid. Things might have cooled down a little but with Florentino Perez's power to convince and Madrid's construction of a neo-Galactico team, one can never tell.
But one thing's for sure: Maicon's departure from Inter would make the Nerazzurri a less frightening side.
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Goal.com 50: Samuel Eto’o (9)
at
4:45 AM
While Samuel Eto’o has frequently had a reputation for running his mouth, this past season, the Cameroonian international was far better known for his running on the pitch. Enjoying one of his most successful seasons as a professional footballer, Eto’o’s 2008-2009 campaign was one that Barca supporters will not soon forget.
But in the summer of 2008, it was not even clear that Eto’o would continue to wear the Barcelona colours. As club president Joan Laporta cleaned out shop after a tremendously disappointing season, famously selling off Ronaldinho, Deco, and others, Eto’o was heavily rumoured to not fit into new coach Pep Guardiola’s plans and was billed as just one more casualty of the rebuilding process.
After significant and prolonged transfer speculation though, it became clear that Guardiola would, in fact, count on the Cameroonian international—and what a brilliant decision that would turn out to be.
In what was his best season ever for Barcelona, Eto’o was an unstoppable force in the Blaugrana attack, teaming up with teammates Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry to create a lethal front line. In fact, dubbed by the Spanish press as the ‘tridente’ or the trident, the three superstars became the most prolific trio in the history of the league, eclipsing the previous record held by Real Madrid trio Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo di Stefano and Luis del Sol in the 1960-61 season.
After a 2007 season in which he was plagued by injury, Eto’o found his world class form once again—improving on the 16 goals he scored in the previous season, to leading La Liga in scoring for most of the year with 30 goals. Unfortunately though, he just barely missed winning the Pichichi (the award presented to La Liga’s top scorer), as Atletico de Madrid’s Diego Forlan edged him out in the final few matches of the season to finish the year with 32 goals.
Eto’o’s efficiency in front of goal contributed to some of the most important results of the year for Barcelona. In the first Clasico match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, even after having a penalty kick saved, Eto’o delivered a crucial goal in the dying moments of the match—a goal that tipped the Liga pendulum in Barcelona’s favour and re-established a new balance of power, ending Real Madrid’s reign.
But the goal that will define Eto’o’s season came in the Champions League final against Manchester United, as the Cameroonian international beat ManU goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar in the 10th minute to score the first of Barca’s two goals and bring a second Champions League crown to the Catalunyan capital in four years.
With Eto’o’s help, Barcelona progressed to take the triplete—the Liga championship, the Copa del Rey crown, and the Champions League trophy. But at the end of the season, the rumour mill began to turn once again, as Barcelona very publicly began to shop their star striker around.
The relationship between the club and the player began to deteriorate, eventually hitting a breaking point as hostilities rendered a peaceful solution impossible. In the end, Eto’o decided to leave Barcelona for Serie A giants Inter Milan.
If his output with Inter compares to his performances for Barcelona in 2008/2009, Eto’o could possibly climb even higher in Goal.com’s list next year…
But in the summer of 2008, it was not even clear that Eto’o would continue to wear the Barcelona colours. As club president Joan Laporta cleaned out shop after a tremendously disappointing season, famously selling off Ronaldinho, Deco, and others, Eto’o was heavily rumoured to not fit into new coach Pep Guardiola’s plans and was billed as just one more casualty of the rebuilding process.
After significant and prolonged transfer speculation though, it became clear that Guardiola would, in fact, count on the Cameroonian international—and what a brilliant decision that would turn out to be.
In what was his best season ever for Barcelona, Eto’o was an unstoppable force in the Blaugrana attack, teaming up with teammates Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry to create a lethal front line. In fact, dubbed by the Spanish press as the ‘tridente’ or the trident, the three superstars became the most prolific trio in the history of the league, eclipsing the previous record held by Real Madrid trio Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo di Stefano and Luis del Sol in the 1960-61 season.
After a 2007 season in which he was plagued by injury, Eto’o found his world class form once again—improving on the 16 goals he scored in the previous season, to leading La Liga in scoring for most of the year with 30 goals. Unfortunately though, he just barely missed winning the Pichichi (the award presented to La Liga’s top scorer), as Atletico de Madrid’s Diego Forlan edged him out in the final few matches of the season to finish the year with 32 goals.
Eto’o’s efficiency in front of goal contributed to some of the most important results of the year for Barcelona. In the first Clasico match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, even after having a penalty kick saved, Eto’o delivered a crucial goal in the dying moments of the match—a goal that tipped the Liga pendulum in Barcelona’s favour and re-established a new balance of power, ending Real Madrid’s reign.
But the goal that will define Eto’o’s season came in the Champions League final against Manchester United, as the Cameroonian international beat ManU goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar in the 10th minute to score the first of Barca’s two goals and bring a second Champions League crown to the Catalunyan capital in four years.
With Eto’o’s help, Barcelona progressed to take the triplete—the Liga championship, the Copa del Rey crown, and the Champions League trophy. But at the end of the season, the rumour mill began to turn once again, as Barcelona very publicly began to shop their star striker around.
The relationship between the club and the player began to deteriorate, eventually hitting a breaking point as hostilities rendered a peaceful solution impossible. In the end, Eto’o decided to leave Barcelona for Serie A giants Inter Milan.
If his output with Inter compares to his performances for Barcelona in 2008/2009, Eto’o could possibly climb even higher in Goal.com’s list next year…
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Goal.com 50: Wayne Rooney (10)
at
4:45 AM
It is sometimes easy to forget that Wayne Rooney is still just 23 years of age. After all, this is man who has already won the Premier League three times, has played in two Champions League finals and made over 50 appearances for England.
Yet despite the success he has already achieved, there still seems to be so much more to come from the young striker and last season he took another huge step on the road to fulfilling his vast potential.
Rooney finished the season with more trophies to add to his already bulging cabinet as his picked up his third league title, watched as his team-mates won the League Cup and claimed glory in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite the presence of Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez, Rooney was a virtual ever present for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and whilst his position may have been rotated throughout the season, the striker himself was rarely to be found on the bench.
Rooney has already admitted that his goals tend to come in bursts and so it was to prove again for the young Scouser, who netted 12 league goals, with five coming in as many games in between January and March as United tightened their grip at the top of the table.
The former Everton man was also on target in Japan, hitting the winner in the Club World Cup in December to ensure the Red Devils were crowned Club World Champions.
It wasn’t his only goal of the tournament, two more came in the semi-final in a furious game with Gamba Osaka that United won 5-3, which ensured the striker finished the tournament’s top scorer and won a car to boot.
Wayne’s World – Rooney Wins Club World Cup
His goalscoring is just one feature of his game, and it is his incredible strength, work-rate and sheer enthusiasm that so often inspires United when they are toiling.
A perfect example is the Red Devils famous 5-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur back in April after Spurs had been 2-0 up and cruising at Old Trafford at half-time.
Whilst it may have taken a controversial penalty to get the champions back into the game, Rooney went on to score two goals and set up another couple as United stormed back to the top of the table.
Crazy Man
Yet the striker wasn’t just banging in the goals on the domestic front, as for England he also rediscovered his goalscoring touch in fine style.
After the disappointment of missing out on the European Championships, Fabio Capello’s England began World Cup qualifying in determined mood.
Now, seven games later they have all but booked their trip to South Africa, with a 100 per cent record and with Rooney having netted an impressive eight goals (and ten in his last seven internationals).
Along the way he also picked up his 50th cap, becoming the youngest player to reach the half-century for the Three Lions in the process.
Furthermore, Rooney now has 24 international goals to his name and has admitted he has his sights firmly set on smashing Sir Bobby Charlton’s goal scoring record, which currently stands at 49.
It hasn’t all been perfect for Rooney. A sending off at Fulham as United crashed to defeat at Craven Cottage saw the striker back to his snarling, petulant worst, leading to Fabio Capello calling him his “crazy man”.
However, it was the only blot on the landscape, and having become a married man last summer with fatherhood looming, United and Capello will be hoping for a mellower player as a crucial season looms.
Of course next season offers much for Rooney, who will be hoping to sparkle at the World Cup next summer, yet, before then he will be under scrutiny and also under pressure on the home front.
Having lost Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Manchester United’s goal scoring burden will fall largely on Rooney’s shoulders, and with him expected to play his favoured central role next season, all eyes will be watching him closely.
Yet despite the success he has already achieved, there still seems to be so much more to come from the young striker and last season he took another huge step on the road to fulfilling his vast potential.
Rooney finished the season with more trophies to add to his already bulging cabinet as his picked up his third league title, watched as his team-mates won the League Cup and claimed glory in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite the presence of Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez, Rooney was a virtual ever present for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and whilst his position may have been rotated throughout the season, the striker himself was rarely to be found on the bench.
Rooney has already admitted that his goals tend to come in bursts and so it was to prove again for the young Scouser, who netted 12 league goals, with five coming in as many games in between January and March as United tightened their grip at the top of the table.
The former Everton man was also on target in Japan, hitting the winner in the Club World Cup in December to ensure the Red Devils were crowned Club World Champions.
It wasn’t his only goal of the tournament, two more came in the semi-final in a furious game with Gamba Osaka that United won 5-3, which ensured the striker finished the tournament’s top scorer and won a car to boot.
Wayne’s World – Rooney Wins Club World Cup
His goalscoring is just one feature of his game, and it is his incredible strength, work-rate and sheer enthusiasm that so often inspires United when they are toiling.
A perfect example is the Red Devils famous 5-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur back in April after Spurs had been 2-0 up and cruising at Old Trafford at half-time.
Whilst it may have taken a controversial penalty to get the champions back into the game, Rooney went on to score two goals and set up another couple as United stormed back to the top of the table.
Crazy Man
Yet the striker wasn’t just banging in the goals on the domestic front, as for England he also rediscovered his goalscoring touch in fine style.
After the disappointment of missing out on the European Championships, Fabio Capello’s England began World Cup qualifying in determined mood.
Now, seven games later they have all but booked their trip to South Africa, with a 100 per cent record and with Rooney having netted an impressive eight goals (and ten in his last seven internationals).
Along the way he also picked up his 50th cap, becoming the youngest player to reach the half-century for the Three Lions in the process.
Furthermore, Rooney now has 24 international goals to his name and has admitted he has his sights firmly set on smashing Sir Bobby Charlton’s goal scoring record, which currently stands at 49.
It hasn’t all been perfect for Rooney. A sending off at Fulham as United crashed to defeat at Craven Cottage saw the striker back to his snarling, petulant worst, leading to Fabio Capello calling him his “crazy man”.
However, it was the only blot on the landscape, and having become a married man last summer with fatherhood looming, United and Capello will be hoping for a mellower player as a crucial season looms.
Of course next season offers much for Rooney, who will be hoping to sparkle at the World Cup next summer, yet, before then he will be under scrutiny and also under pressure on the home front.
Having lost Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Manchester United’s goal scoring burden will fall largely on Rooney’s shoulders, and with him expected to play his favoured central role next season, all eyes will be watching him closely.
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