Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are undoubtedly on a different level from the rest of today’s players. Ronaldo v Henry: who was finest of the era? But while it is hard to separate the two in terms of greatness, the same can be said of Brazil’s Ronaldo da Lima and French maestro Thierry Henry. Ronaldo recently said he hoped his World Cup record of 15 goals stays intact despite the threat of Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who is stuck on 14 goals. That in itself is testimony of how the great Brazilian wants to be remembered in history. Already into this year’s World Cup, I find the “Ronaldo is unmatched” perception to be mere prejudice that is exposed when compared with one of the best of his generation. Step forward please, Thierry Henry. Of course, to the many France and Arsenal haters, Henry was just an ordinary player, undeserving of being mentioned in the same breath as Ronaldo. Unfortunately, this is based on sentiment and sheer lack of objectivity. True, Ronaldo inspired Brazil to the 2002 World Cup triumph, which Henry didn’t, although both of them won the World Cup at least once. Ronaldo, whose career was blighted by injuries, played 98 times for Brazil and scored 62 goals. Compared to Henry who played 123 times for France and scored 51 times, Ronaldo definitely had a better scoring ratio. Added to that, while Ronaldo played only 343 club games in which he scored 247 goals, Henry has played 563 games including those in the MLS and scored 277 goals. I admit again that Henry pales in comparison as far as proficiency in front of goal is concerned. That said, being on top in one aspect doesn’t in any way mean Ronaldo settles the score. Far from it. Although Ronaldo was clinical, Henry was the more complete footballer. In terms of dribbling, Henry edged Ronaldo. In addition, Ronaldo was simply a one-dimensional forward that operated just around the penalty area. That is far from what one would say of Henry; he could play out wide with comfort, covering long distances. Henry even offered himself more for the team as a person that would defend and tackle too. Yet, that all could pass as being minor. But it was important too for he was what Johann Cruyff would classify as a total footballer. So, Henry played total football. But rather more importantly is the fact that not many strikers in world football laid on assists as many times as Henry has done throughout his career. Assists were hardly Ronaldo’s forte. Furthermore, Henry was such a specialist at free-kicks, and he converted many of them. Take it or leave it: of the two men, Henry had better leadership qualities. Henry carried Arsenal on his shoulders when everyone clearly knew that it was an average side. For Ronaldo, he chose to quit Inter Milan to join Real Madrid, where playing alongside Zinedine Zidane, Raul Gonzalez and Luis Figo was more appealing. Ronaldo had no knack to carry Inter Milan to its first Scudetto in many years. For those whose basis of judging how good a player is stems from trophies won, Henry won 16 career trophies including domestic leagues and Uefa Champions League titles while still playing in Europe where the top leagues are. Ronaldo won 9 in which there is only one league title and a Uefa Europa League title. So, based on that, why shouldn’t Henry stand out as more of the complete footballer than Ronaldo, other than being in his shadow unfairly?
Posted on: Thu, 12 Jun 2014 23:37:10 +0000
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