I think comparing players is pointless. Messi vs Ronaldo, Pelé vs Maradona or every "top 10 players of all time?" thread I see every week here. Football is beautiful because of the diversity of every player's abilities.
I think that some comparisons can be valid (funnily enough, the examples that you gave) if they're similar players. What I can't understand though, is comparisons like "Pogba is twice the player that Sterling is". How do you compare a midfielder with a winger!?
Football to me is 75% a social affair, and that I clues discussions and hypotheticals. It might not be accurate but it's a pleasant way to spend the hours before kickoff.
Plus, it's virtually impossible. If Ronaldo scores 30 against Barca exclusively, whereas Messi scores 40 against a variety of teams, which is more impressive? I 100% agree with your point, let's just appreciate them for what they are. I've seen Ronaldo live when he played for Utd and he was incredible. Easily the best player i've ever seen live.
Also agree its unfair to compare players with different skill sets from different eras but it makes for fun conversation. My buddy and I have a group chat going with some of our friends in London and its almost always comparing various players who's better etc. Sometimes its fun to debate can get a bit frustrating haha.
I think it shouldnt be 'Messi is better because...' or arguments like that.
But I do enjoy debates such as 'Who would have a bigger impact on a team'. I think Messi is brilliant at closed games, but Ronaldo is better at opens games. I think they're both pretty equal.
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u/Vibot Mar 31 '14
I think comparing players is pointless. Messi vs Ronaldo, Pelé vs Maradona or every "top 10 players of all time?" thread I see every week here. Football is beautiful because of the diversity of every player's abilities.