Lionel Messi and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> have dominated the most recent era of soccer, competing for every award for more than a decade. As a result, both have left impressive legacies in the history of the sport and are constantly compared to determine who is better. In light of this, a former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> star decided to weigh in on the conversation with his surprising opinion, explaining the differences between the two players.



“Young kids, don’t look up to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messi</a>. Because you will never be like him. That’s the thing. You can never be Messi. He has received god-given talent in his left foot. We can never be like Messi. But, you can be kind of like Cristiano Ronaldo, because that is hard work. Of course he has talent too. But there was a point in Ronaldo’s career where he realized: ‘hey, I will stop the show, and I will put in hard work.’,” <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kevin-prince-boateng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Prince-Boateng</a> said, via Unscripted with Josh Mansour.



Boateng consistently expressed his admiration for Real Madrid and his preference for Cristiano Ronaldo. However, he eventually joined Barcelona as a substitute striker. After participating in only four games, he departed the team, having played alongside Lionel Messi just once. Despite the brief stint, the Ghanaian remarked that witnessing the Argentinean in training left him speechless, as he was able to seize every opportunity without fail.



Although Messi and Cristiano were locked in an intense rivalry on the pitch for several years, the two players showcased completely different styles. The Argentine impresses as an all-around player, excelling in both goals and assists. In contrast, the Portuguese stands out for his scoring prowess, adapting his game following a knee injury. Ronaldo exemplifies hard work, solidifying his status as Lionel’s rival despite numerous challenges.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/11/26191251/lionel-messi-inter-miami-21-1920x1080.webp" alt="Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF." class="wp-image-606620"></figure></div><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Van Basten also holds up Messi as a true hard-work icon</h2>



Throughout his professional career, Lionel Messi has consistently been ranked among the best players in history due to his exceptional talent. This has sparked the belief that while the Argentine was born with extraordinary ability, Cristiano Ronaldo has built his career through sheer hard work. In response, the legendary Marco van Basten offers a different perspective, providing a clear example to challenge this argument.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messi-secures-47th-career-title-after-winning-mls-eastern-conference-with-inter-miami-how-close-is-cristiano-ronaldo/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251130_WST_607221_cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-lionel-messi-inter-miami-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With Inter Miami winning the MLS Eastern Conference Final, Lionel Messi secured the 47th title in his career, prompting comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo&apos;s trophy cabinet.
" title="Lionel Messi secures 47th career title after winning MLS Eastern Conference with Inter Miami: How close is Cristiano Ronaldo?" publication_id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-secures-47th-career-title-after-winning-mls-eastern-conference-with-inter-miami-how-close-is-cristiano-ronaldo/"></div>


“Ronaldo worked hard, but do people forget that Messi is still playing soccer? The man is 38 years old. He lives for his sport as much as Ronaldo and worked just as hard. Because you can’t be as good as Messi at 38 without working hard,” van Basten said, via Ziggo Sport.



To suggest that Lionel Messi is not an embodiment of hard work is quite unfair. Throughout his career, the Argentine has consistently exemplified professionalism, beginning each season in peak form. Furthermore, in 2025, he continues to stand out as the best player in the MLS, scoring 44 goals and providing 24 assists, both league-leading statistics. These achievements would not be possible without his exceptional dedication and work ethic.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/messi-had-the-final-word-on-barcelona-transfers-former-teammate-says-i-was-going-to-sleep-hoping-that-leo-likes-me/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251128_WST_606889_Lionel-Messi-Barcelona.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="A former FC Barcelona player spoke about the role Lionel Messi had in the club’s transfer decisions.
" title="Messi had the final word on Barcelona transfers, former teammate says: ‘I was going to sleep hoping that Leo likes me’" publication_id="WST#/news/messi-had-the-final-word-on-barcelona-transfers-former-teammate-says-i-was-going-to-sleep-hoping-that-leo-likes-me/"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/former-cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-teammate-blasts-mls-and-lionel-messi-over-saudi-pro-league/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251201_WST_607335_lionel-messi-inter-miami-cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="A former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr addressed the comparison between the Saudi Pro League and Lionel Messi&apos;s MLS, blasting the North American competition.
" title="Former Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr teammate blasts MLS and Lionel Messi over Saudi Pro League" publication_id="WST#/news/former-cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-teammate-blasts-mls-and-lionel-messi-over-saudi-pro-league/"></div>

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Former Barcelona player delivers surprising take: ‘Young kids don't look up to Messi’

Former Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr teammate blasts MLS and Lionel Messi over Saudi Pro League

Messi had the final word on Barcelona transfers, former teammate says: ‘I was going to sleep hoping that Leo likes me’

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Former Barcelona player delivers surprising take: ‘Young kids don't look up to Messi’ - World Soccer Talk

main

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> played for FC Barcelona for 17 seasons, from 2004 to 2021. During that time, his influence within the club grew alongside his reputation as a player, giving him significant decision-making power over certain aspects of the team, according to a former player.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kevin-prince-boateng/">Kevin-Prince Boateng</a> gave an interview this week to Unscripted with Josh Mansour, where he reflected on different moments of his professional career, including his brief stint with the Catalan side. There, he described an unusual experience that illustrates how decisions were made at the club at that time.



“Before I went to Barcelona, they had two sporting directors. One of them was Eric Abidal. He said, ‘Yes, we want you,’” Boateng began. “Then the other sporting director said, ‘We want you.’ The president said, ‘We want you.’ The coach says, ‘We want you.’ And I said, ‘Perfect, I’m gonna sign tomorrow.’ They said, ‘No, we need to speak to Leo first.’”



Boateng admitted he was surprised by the situation. “I was like, ‘What you mean?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, we need to speak to Leo,’” the Ghanaian forward recalled. “He had that power. So I was going to sleep hoping that Leo likes me or sees me in the team. I was like, ‘Tomorrow, I can sign my shirt with Barcelona, but if Leo says no, I would not sign my contract.’”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/11/28143412/boateng-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-606890"></figure></div><figcaption>Kevin-Prince Boateng playing for Barcelona.</figcaption></figure>



In the end, Messi’s approval came through, and Boateng joined the team. “I woke up in the morning and they said, ‘All good.’ And I was like, ‘Ohh, OK!’” he recalled. However, the experience was short-lived, as the forward played only 4 matches with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> in 2018 before moving to Fiorentina.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messis-failed-2023-return-to-barcelona-before-signing-with-inter-miami-reportedly-revealed/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20251125_WST_606273_Lionel-Messi-4.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Two years after his arrival to Inter Miami, new details about Lionel Messi&apos;s failed return to FC Barcelona in 2023 have surfaced.
" title="Lionel Messi’s failed 2023 return to Barcelona before signing with Inter Miami reportedly revealed" publication_id="WST#/news/lionel-messis-failed-2023-return-to-barcelona-before-signing-with-inter-miami-reportedly-revealed/"></div>


<h2>Boateng on Messi’s behavior at Barcelona</h2>



Those six months at FC Barcelona left little mark on Boateng’s career, but they gave him insight into the day-to-day life of the Argentine superstar. “Messi, cool guy,” he said in the same interview. “Very quiet. He only speaks with his feet on the field, which I admire because a lot of people talk a lot but don’t perform.”



Regarding his personal experience with Messi, Kevin-Prince was candid. “He’s very quiet, he chooses who to talk to, very selective. But me and him, we were cool. He hugged me, said ‘Welcome, so good to see you.’ I was surprised, ‘Wow, OK,’” the Ghanaian forward recalled.



<h2>Boateng weighs in on Messi’s potential Barcelona return</h2>



The interview with Boateng comes amid growing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/will-lionel-messi-ever-return-to-barcelona-joan-laporta-delivers-firm-and-final-decision-with-10-word-warning-that-crushes-presidential-rivals-hopes/">speculation about a possible return of Lionel Messi to FC Barcelona</a>, fueled by Leo’s surprise visit to Camp Nou. When asked about a potential second stint for the Argentine forward at the club, Boateng expressed optimism.



“He could, because the way he plays, he could still play five years,” Kevin-Prince said. To illustrate, he drew a comparison with another soccer superstar: “Because the team around him plays for him. It’s a different way of playing, like Cristiano for example.”



As Boateng points out, Messi’s athletic ability does not appear to be an obstacle to imagining a return to FC Barcelona. Instead, contractual matters represent the main challenge, considering Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs through December 2028.

Messi had the final word on Barcelona transfers, former teammate says: ‘I was going to sleep hoping that Leo likes me’ - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kevin-prince-boateng/">Kevin-Prince Boateng</a> has revealed that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>‘s approach to training had an adverse impact on Barcelona’s young players. The former Ghanaian international played alongside the Argentine during his loan spell at the Spanish giants from Serie A team Sassuolo in the 2018/19 season.



While he only managed four appearances across all competitions for the Blaugrana, he did enough to secure a La Liga medal alongside Messi, who ended the season as the league’s top scorer with 36 goals.



Despite the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> superstar’s exceptional performance leading Barca to their eighth league victory in 11 years, Boateng shared some unexpected insights into the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s training habits.



On ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur player confessed that Messi’s minimal exertion in training influenced the club’s young players negatively. “So we come in the dressing room, he’s just sitting there on his phone [and] gets a massage sitting down,” he told the Manchester United icon.



“Two minutes before we go out, he just stands up, closes his boots, and goes out. The warm up for the Champions League game against Liverpool, [we did the] crossbar challenge and then he goes back inside. [The] coach made the last adjustment, [Messi] is on the phone face-timing [and] 30 seconds before we go out he just comes and puts his jacket on and BOOM, goal, goal, goal.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/04/01092706/Kevin-Prince-Boateng-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-563157" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>The Messi effect: A double-edged sword</h2>



While Messi, 37, may be hailed as the ultimate soccer wizard, his effortless magic didn’t rub off on some of the younger players at Barcelona who tried to emulate his regime with less stellar results.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/while-cristiano-ronaldo-earns-200-million-at-al-nassr-weres-what-lionel-messi-makes-at-inter-miami/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250331_WST_563060_Pulisic-and-Gimenez-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Lionel Messi&apos;s arrival has transformed Inter Miami into one of the most valuable franchises in MLS. His presence has attracted new sponsors, increased ticket sales, and boosted the team&apos;s overall profile. The economic impact of Messi&apos;s move has been felt throughout the league.
" title="While Cristiano Ronaldo earns $200 million at Al Nassr, were’s what Lionel Messi makes at Inter Miami" publication_id="WST#/news/while-cristiano-ronaldo-earns-200-million-at-al-nassr-weres-what-lionel-messi-makes-at-inter-miami/"></div>


“That’s what the young players did in Barcelona: Malcom, Dembele, they looked at him and they didn’t train so then going to the game, they got injured,“ Boateng recounted. “He’s the only one in the world that can do that.”



<h2>Boateng reflects on his own past regrets</h2>



Now 38, the well-traveled pro, who has racked up appearances for an impressive 15 clubs across five nations, also spilled about his past reckless lifestyle during his stint at Tottenham, admitting to a wild spending spree due to a lack of professional discipline.



“I’ll go back and say: I didn’t treat soccer as a job,” he said in a La Repubblica interview. “I was an idiot. I had talent, but I trained the bare minimum, an hour on the field. I was the last to arrive and the first to leave,” he said in a brutally honest admission.



“I’d be out with friends. I had money, I lived like a king. I’d never been to the gym. That changes your later career. I bought three cars in one day when I was at Tottenham: a Lamborghini, a Hummer and a Cadillac.“



“To the youngsters, I tell them: ‘You cannot buy happiness’. I didn’t play, I had family problems, I was out of the squad. I was looking for happiness in material things: a car makes you happy for a week. I bought three to be happy for three weeks.”

Former Messi teammate at Barcelona claims: 'His dressing room behavior makes him a terrible example for young players'

Former Messi teammate at Barcelona claims: 'His dressing room behavior makes him a terrible example for young players' - World Soccer Talk

With a new year upon us, the January transfer window will be opening up soon. While normally we don’t see super-stars switch allegiances in this period, but 2011 could be different. The names of Klose, Toni, Gilardino, and Kaka have been circulating, but can we really expect these players to move in January?
Starting at the top of the table, AC Milan seem omnipotent with the team they already have. Ronaldinho will probably be leaving for Gremio (the club where he started his professional career) &nbsp;in Brazil. While the Brazilian would be glad to return home, AC Milan are trying to squeeze anything out of Gremio, and Galliani has put an 8 million Euro price tag on Ronaldinho.
AC Milan fans shouldn’t worry that one of their Brazilians will be leaving, the replacement is already training with the team in Dubai. Antonio Cassano seems to be the perfect replacement when Ronaldinho leaves, and he is probably and even better partner for Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front. But AC Milan are looking to sign another creative Italian, Andrea Lazzari, to help out the already overpowered attacking sector of the team. Massimiliano Allegri shouldn’t have too much trouble bringing the 26 year-old to the San Siro considering that he coached him last season.
The rossoneri will also try to do some work regarding Kevin-Prince Boateng who belongs to Genoa but is on loan at AC Milan. It is very possible that Milan will try to give half of Alberto Paloschi for half of Boateng, but we will have to see what Genoa want from Milan for the Ghanaian midfielder. It should be a fairly quiet transfer market for AC Milan, but you never know with Berlusconi.
Lazio are looking to buy this transfer market, and there are multiple names circulating as to who they want as their new center-forward. While Bayern Munich‘s&nbsp;Klose would be the dream, it is more likely that Manchester City reject Santa Cruz could join. Sadly there have been problems regarding that deal as well, and it seems like Santa Cruz isn’t interested in a loan or transfer to Lazio. So now the name which has been mentioned is Federico Macheda‘s. The young Italian currently at Manchester United could return to Italy for a loan (or permanent transfer) deal.
Inter Milan are searching for a few players to buy, and while the names of&nbsp;Kaka and&nbsp;Fernando Torres have been mentioned, it is doubtful that Moratti will be splashing the grotesque amount of cash needed for those players. Instead Inter are chasing&nbsp;Zaccardo to strengthen the defence, and the wild idea of&nbsp;Patrice Evra of&nbsp;Manchester United has been floating around.&nbsp;Ilicic of&nbsp;Palermo is unlikely to be bought in January and so is&nbsp;Udinese‘sSanchez, both might be additions made this upcoming summer. For now Inter have got&nbsp;Ranocchia from&nbsp;Genoa, but there could be few other signings until the summer of 2011.
Juventus are looking at some possible deals, but nothing has materialized yet. While the big rumours have been around a possible swap Gilardino-Amauri, it is more likely that the Fiorentina forward arrives for a hefty transfer fee, without a swap. What is needed for Gilardino’s arrival is some cash, and Juventus might find it in the form of selling Sissoko. The Malian has been observed by Wolfsburg, and a deal worth around 10 million Euros could be struck sometime soon. The money from selling the midfielder could be used to get a proper forward to finish off all of Krasic’s delightful crosses, Edin Dzeko maybe?
Roma has sold Julio Baptista to Malaga for around 2 million Euros and it seems like the giallorossi have managed to agree a deal with Behrami of West Ham. Another unhappy Brazilian at Roma had apparently decided to leave, but it now seems that Adriano will be staying with Roma. Unless it is a successful season for him, expect him to leave for Brazil this upcoming summer.
Which possible tranfser are you looking forward to most? Share your comments below!

Moves To Expect This January Transfer Market

Moves To Expect This January Transfer Market - World Soccer Talk

1. Juventus in second after 2-1 win over Lazio
A fantastic match between two sides which battled for the win. Juventus took the lead in the first minutes with Chiellini powering his way through a weak Lazio defence on a corner, heading in a temporary lead for the bianconeri. But Lazio fought back, and about fifteen minutes later they scored a scrappy goal with Zarate tapping in from a corner kick swung into a crowded group of players. Yet Lazio changed their style, and as the match wore on, they began playing more and more defensively, trying to hold onto the draw. Juventus on the other hand pushed well, creating opportunities with Krasic making the right wing his own, and Aquilani playing very well to set up teammates with opportunities to score.
The game wore on, and Lazio retreated more and more into their bunker as Delneri threw on Del Piero, Pepe, and Sissoko, the three of them providing more movement in the place of tired players. And after many chances to score the winner, Juve’s top man, Milos Krasic found the 90th minute after another rampaging run down the right side. A cheeky chip, which was probably meant as an assist for players in the middle of the box, was flapped in by Muslera’s gloved hands.
A very important win for Juventus which helps them rise up to second place along with Napoli and Lazio, all three sides equal with 30 points. But this win does something else, it allows AC Milan to take a six point lead above the three teams dwelling in second place. Who would’ve thought that Allegri’s side would be six points clear around December? Certainly not I.
2. AC Milan’s new signings continue to score
AC Milan managed to pull six points ahead of second place after their 3-0 win away against Bologna. Strangely enough, the three players who scored the goals against Bolgona – Kevin-Prince Boateng, Robinho, and Ibrahimovic – were also the ones who scored against Milan’s 3-0 win against Brescia, and for total deja vu, they also scored in the same order!
But other than just an interesting stat, maybe this represents a little more. All three players are new signings which Berlusconi secured over the summer, and they’ve truly thrived under Massimiliano Allegri. While I had few doubts about how Ibrahimovic and Boateng would do, I didn’t think that Robinho would do to well in the Serie A. I’ve been proved wrong by the Brazilian who has scored six goals already this Serie A season, coincidentally the same number that the other Brazilian starlet, Pato has scored this season.
So did AC Milan do the best business this summer? It certainly seems so; with Roma’s Adriano receiving the Golden Bin award, Inter’s lack of new signings, and Juve’s slight dependence on Milos Krasic, AC Milan have made three excellent signings over the summer which are slowly winning them the scudetto.
3. Bari hit new lows after latest loss
I really don’t know what to say after seeing Bari rack up another loss. It isn’t the fact that they lost against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico which really&nbsp;surprises and bothers&nbsp;me, it’s the slide which Giampiero Ventura’s club has been going down, all the way into last place. Bari have only managed to scrounge out ten points this season! Alarming, especially compared to last season, when they arrived tenth in the Serie A.
Not too much I can say regarding this, I’m just shocked that Giampiero Ventura hasn’t managed to get more out of his talented side.
4. Sampdoria suffer from fantastic Cordova free kick
Sampdoria have lost against Brescia, and while I have been&nbsp;constantly&nbsp;mentioning the Cassano situation, and maybe the lack of a world class player, that excuse has gotten a little old. While they were playing away from home, and Brescia’s goal was a strange free kick from Cordova, that still doesn’t hide the fact that Mimmo Di Carlo’s team isn’t doing too well. Hopefully this won’t be the beginning of a fall for Sampdoria, or else maybe the president Garrone will have to go crawling back to Cassano, begging for&nbsp;forgiveness.
Regarding Cordova’s free kick, I say that it was strange, mainly&nbsp;because&nbsp;I’ve never seen another one scored like this. Centrally facing the goal, but pretty far out, Cordova went for pure power, and his low free kick bounced through many Sampdoria players before tricking Curci into looking like a fool as the ball hit the back of his net. Check it out if you haven’t seen it yet, a possible “Goal of the Season” contender.
5. Lecce rise above Chievo with 3-2 victory
The result which truly shocked me this weekend was seeing Chievo lose 3-2 to Lecce. Chievo who are in 12th place after this loss, losing to Lecce which only has 15 points, and is in the relegation zone at 18th place. You could say that Chievo failed to wake up quickly enough considering that they were two goals down by halftime, two very nice goals from Ofere and Piatti. Then in the second half Chievo got one back with a magnificently struck, curling free kick from Bogliacino, but before they could find an equalizer, Piatti striked again for Lecce. Chievo pulled a goal back in the final minutes to make the final score 3-2, but Sergio Pioli’s side was beaten by a confident looking Lecce.
So could Lecce play well enough to survive relegation this season? After what I saw against Chievo, they seemed like a good side, especially with the forward Piatti, who reminds me quite a bit of Diego Milito. Share your comments below regarding the Serie A action which happened over the weekend!

Five Things To Note From Serie A This Weekend; December 2010

Five Things To Note From Serie A This Weekend; December 2010 - World Soccer Talk

<div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/milan-zlatan-ibrahimovic/image/9850459?term=AC+Milan" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9850459/milan-zlatan-ibrahimovic/milan-zlatan-ibrahimovic.jpg?size=380&amp;imageId=9850459" border="0" alt="AC Milan&apos;s Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring against Genoa during their serie A soccer match at San Siro stadium in Milan, September 25, 2010. REUTERS/Imagesport ( ITALY - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)" width="380" height="260"></figure></div></a></div>
The importance of Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic to AC Milan goes beyond the simple statistics – 6 total matches for AC Milan, five goals.&nbsp; On a team full of high-profile talent and scoring ability, Ibra has stood out early in the season as the player who has carried Milan offensively and helped them remain in the hunt for both the Champions League and Serie A titles.
Yesterday is a perfect example of his value to the club.&nbsp; Playing in the hostile Amsterdam Arena and already down a goal, Ibrahimovic made his former club pay.&nbsp; Off a good pass by Seedorf into the box, he used his height to collect the ball off his chest and fire home a strike to tie the game at one.&nbsp; If you watch the highlight, the goal was not an easy one but he shows incredible ability to control the ball before putting it in the back of the net.&nbsp; He almost assisted on the go-ahead goal but Kevin-Prince Boateng was denied on an amazing save by Maarten Stekelenburg late in the second half.&nbsp; In the end, Ibrahimovic haunted his own club and gave Milan a much needed drawn, a result that should help them advance in the competition.
But should any Milan fan be surprised by the outcome?&nbsp; Since his first match for Milan on September 11, he has become the fulcrum of the Milan attack.&nbsp; All told, he has scored the goal to win or tie a match four times:
<ul>
<li>Both goals in the 2-0 home win against Auxerre</li>
<li>66′ goal in the 1-1 Lazio draw (9/22)</li>
<li>The only goal in a 1-0 versus Genoa (9/25)</li>
<li>Yesterday’s goal to draw against Ajax</li>
</ul>
With Alexandre Pato returning soon, Ibrahimovic will have additional help on offense, especially if Ronaldinho is able to round back into playing shape.&nbsp; But for now, let’s acknowledge that to this point Ibrahimovic has been by far the best pickup in the offseason and may be the reason AC Milan is succeeding so far in Europe and Italy.

Ibrahimovic Could Already be the MVP

Ibrahimovic Could Already be the MVP - World Soccer Talk

<div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/swedish-player-ibrahimovic/image/9626746?term=ac+milan" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9626746/swedish-player-ibrahimovic/swedish-player-ibrahimovic.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=9626746" border="0" alt="Swedish soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic smiles during a presentation during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Lecce at the San Siro stadium in Milan August 29, 2010. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo (ITALY - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)" width="500" height="277"></figure></div></a></div>
In July, <a href="http://www.serieatalk.com/the-quiet-offseason-of-a-c-milan/2740" target="_blank">I wrote a post</a> for this site asking AC Milan fans for calm.&nbsp; The club had been quiet on the transfer market and Silvio Berlusconi had gone public in saying he intended to build his youth academy to help the team.&nbsp; I said at the time that if the club did not acquire any big names, they would be title contenders but would not be favorites.
Flash forward forty plus days.&nbsp; Ibrahimovic.&nbsp; Robinho.&nbsp; Boateng.&nbsp; The club worked the transfer market hard in the waning hours and secured some of the biggest names available on the market.&nbsp; They also grabbed Sokratis from Genoa, a smaller profile signing that helps their defense.&nbsp; In exchange, they dumped the aging Marco Borriello, overrated Huntelaar, and backup striker Dominic Adiyah.&nbsp; As the dust settles on the summer transfer dash and the ownership begins to show off the new <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2010/08/31/2097278/adriano-galliani-zlatan-ibrahimovic-and-robinho-are-gifts" target="_blank">presents to the fans</a>, the question is:
Is Milan now the favorite to win the Serie A title?
If Allegri decided to stick to a 4-3-3, here is the lineup the club could field in coming weeks:
Keeper: Amelia
Defenders: Antonini, Thiago Silva, Nesta, Bonera
Midfield: Seedorf, Pirlo, Ambrosini
Forwards: Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Pato
Bench: Robinho, Boateng, Inzaghi, Antonini
The biggest impact the additions have on this club is to make the forward position younger and more deadly.&nbsp; Ibrahimovic has the ability to dominate on the offensive end and provides a consistent scoring threat this club lacked from the forward position last season.&nbsp; Ronaldinho, while at times dominant, came into camp out of shape and was disinterested at times last year.&nbsp; If he is physically unfit to play or the club needs a spark, a younger Robinho can sub in or start in his place.&nbsp; On the bench is the all-time leading scorer in European competition in Inzaghi.&nbsp; So your front line has youth, experience, height, quickness, and speed.
<a href="http://www.serieatalk.com/serie-a-preview-ac-milan-will-need-to-fight/3006" target="_blank">A concern expressed by Niccolo</a> in the preseason was Milan’s aging in the midfield.&nbsp; Kevin-Prince Boateng, who showed great potential in the World Cup (as well as a need for his game to mature), provides that young depth and long-term starter the club was seeking in the offseason.&nbsp; The unheralded signing of Sokratis also provides some talented depth for the backline, which at times struggled last year and had a penchant for allowing careless goals.&nbsp; If he’s healthy, American national Oguchi Onyewu also gives the club a talented defender off the bench.
Another aspect is the emergence of Alexandre Pato.&nbsp; Scoring twice on Sunday and looking very good in the preseason, this could be his breakout season and at age 20 a precursor to many successful seasons for AC Milan.&nbsp; The moves this summer allow him to mature within a system where he is not the biggest name or has all the offensive pressure on him.
On the other hand, the expensive acquisition of Robinho can arguably be throwing money at an underachiever.&nbsp; After excelling at a young age in Spain, the Brazilian clashed with management and the EPL culture in Manchester City, leading to his sale this transfer season.&nbsp; Management likely hopes pairing him with Ronaldinho will lead to a resurgence and comfort on and off the pitch.&nbsp; Also, the club’s defense is still solid but not spectacular and was a weakness last season, especially against Inter Milan.
So, does AC Milan now have the talent to be the favorites in Serie A?&nbsp; Going into the season Inter was the consensus favorites and the club has kept its key players, especially Maicon.&nbsp; I also give them the edge in managers with Bentiez’s experience.&nbsp; I still consider Inter Milan the favorites for Serie A but the gap has closed considerably and the Milan derbies this year will be epic.
Agree or disagree?&nbsp; Share your comments below or on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/roberthayjr" target="_blank">@roberthayjr</a>.

Is Milan Now the Favorite in Serie A?

Is Milan Now the Favorite in Serie A? - World Soccer Talk

<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=ballack&amp;iid=8825176" target="_blank"> <div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/c/f/a/8/Michael_Ballack_Chelsea_37b8.JPG?adImageId=12892679&amp;imageId=8825176" border="0" alt="Michael Ballack Chelsea 2009/10" width="500" height="348"></figure></div></a>
&nbsp;
You have to feel for a player of the calibre of Michael Ballack and for fans of Germany. Things haven’t always gone swimmingly for Ballack at Stamford Bridge since he joined in 2006, but there is no doubt he is Germany’s most accomplished player of his generation. Be it at Munich, Leverkusen or the national side, Ballack has been one of the most consistent performers in the last 10 years of European football.
My first reaction to the challenge by Kevin-Prince Boateng on Saturday was it was a nasty little challenge. Numerous replays have simply strengthened that belief and it was the end to a little spat that had been running for the previous 15 minutes in the F.A. Cup Final. Now, Boateng is not alone in having a spiteful side to his play, but the irony of the impact it would have on his and Ballacks summer is now becoming apparent.  <a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=boateng&amp;iid=8810184" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/4/b/b/8/FA_Cup_Final_d542.JPG?adImageId=12892710&amp;imageId=8810184" border="0" alt="FA Cup Final Chelsea v Portsmouth 2009/10" width="500" height="361"></figure></div></a>
June 23rd has now gained a new significance in the World Cup as it is the date that Ghana play Germany in South Africa. Now normally, any game which features a player going against a side who have lost a player due to a nasty challenge would be interesting. Add the fact that the player is Germany’s captain and talismanic leader and the stakes are indeed raised, but there is an even more tantilising twist to this tale.
You see, up until April, Kevin Prince Boateng was classed as a German international, having represented the national side at both Under-16 and Under-19 levels. Now he has been granted permission by FIFA to represent Ghana at full international level and is expected to make the cut for the World Cup squad named by Ghana’s manager Milovan Rajevec. It’s a new move and one that should be applauded, though I doubt FIFA had this kind of comeback in mind when they allowed him to join up with Ghana.
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=ghana football&amp;iid=7769893" target="_blank"> <div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/8/5/2/b/Sports_News_084f.jpg?adImageId=12892743&amp;imageId=7769893" border="0" alt="Sports News - January 31, 2010" width="500" height="395"></figure></div></a>
Now the game has a whole new dimension for both sides. It was always going to be a pivotal game for both sides, with the dangerous Australians and Serbia making up a tough group. I’m not one for advocating revenge, but I’ve a feeling certain members of the German squad will be gunning for Boateng. Not only for the injury that Ballack has sustained, ruling him out of the World Cup but for turning his back on his country of birth.
I appreciate the draw a country could have on a player, but the decision seems to be made based on taking the easier option for me. Boateng’s career has certainly stalled whilst he’s been in England, he has the air of a player that sometimes looks like he can’t be bothered. His appearance for Portsmouth against Coventry in this season’s F.A. Cup run was peculiar to say the least. At one point in the second half, he was too injured to run but magically had the ability to dribble and shoot when the ball was played to him.
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=ballack&amp;iid=8826271" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/5/0/7/0/Michael_Ballack_FA_41f8.JPG?adImageId=12892767&amp;imageId=8826271" border="0" alt="Michael Ballack FA Cup Final Chelsea v Portsmouth 2009/10" width="500" height="418"></figure></div></a>
Since being at Portsmouth, he’s certainly gained some playing time, but his spell at Tottenham was a dreadful indictment of the previous regimes slapdash transfer policy under Daniel Commoli.The only thing that shocked me was that Tottenham managed to get anywhere near the £5 million they paid out for him.
Poor Michael Ballack, suspended for the 2002 World Cup final, will now probably never play in a World Cup again. He’ll be 37 by the time Brazil rolls around in 2014, so time and common sense is against him. Boateng, all being well, could be on the cusp of a wonderful career for the Black Stars over the next decade or so. So all German eyes will be on Johannesburg on June 23rd as the two sides clash. By the way, did I mention Kevin Prince Boateng could be there with his brother, Jerome. Trouble is, Jerome’s been picked by Germany in their provisional squad. Talk about a twist having a twist.

Ballacks Pain Of Missing The World Cup

Ballacks Pain Of Missing The World Cup - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Kevin Prince Boateng. Find out about all the news related to Kevin Prince Boateng on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Kevin Prince Boateng"