The one sure way for a player to have a lasting impact on the imagination of the game's global audience is by delivering unforgettable performances when competing for the supreme prizes in the most demanding of circumstances.
Mention of Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff or Zidane doesn't conjure up images from league matches. George Best's chances of showing the world how marvellous he was were hampered by the limitations of the Northern Ireland team but at 19 he was so spectacularly devastating in United's annihilation of Benfica in Lisbon that a legend was born.
So amazing, that I know of such greatness even though I was many years yet to be born, but I have seen the tapes and marvelled at such performances on the greatest of stages. Best's legend was permanently embellished when, one week after his 22nd birthday, he supplied that brilliant individual thrust that killed off the same Portuguese club's resistance in the European Cup Final at Wembley in 1968.
For Ronaldo, who turned 23 in February, the most memorable displays in a United shirt have so far come in the narrower contexts. He has had good European nights, and their number has obviously increased encouragingly this season, but there has remained a tendency to let slip opportunities to offer a resonant declaration of just how special his gifts are.
A recent example was the second leg of the Champions League semi final against Barcelona at Old Trafford, which imposed a comparison with Lionel Messi. Ronaldo's industry and commitment were impeccable but as an attacking force much like the first leg he was marginalised, whereas every time the hunched figure of Messi was on the ball, manipulating it with magical close-quarters subtlety and shielding it cunningly even when travelling at deadly pace, those people craving a United victory were desperately grateful for the shortcomings of his teammates.
The debate about the best player on the planet was enlivened that night.
Only fools would expect one man to decide this Champions League final but the greats of the past have done such a thing in these very same arenas (the outcome may hinge on United's capacity to cope with the smothering energy of Chelsea and especially fierce physical drive of their midfield) but Cristiano Ronaldo owes it to his talent to have a big say in the proceedings on the biggest stage in European football has to offer.
10 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
John Houmes about 1 year ago
Good article. Ronaldo is a great player, but its too early to put him as "a great". What you wrote about great players being able to single-handedly change a game is right on. He could work his way closer to "the greats" category by doing something that changes the tide of the game.
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XXX XXX about 1 year ago
Thanks John, I got a feeling he has to do something and it could come soon, the form he has right now, he may never reach these heights again I hope he does but many don't ever match it season in season out after one like this.
Maybe the Champions League Final is going to be it or maybe Euro 2008, but I am ready and waiting for that moment, he is building up to something I hope.
The header against Roma in the first leg I thought showed signs of something great they needed a goal and he came through in style but it is not defining and his talent deserves such a thing.
Messi has that goal against Getafe but I think there is more to come from him, Ronaldo needs that showstopper and there is no greater stage in world club football come Wednesday night.
Thanks again for the comment...
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John Houmes about 1 year ago
It will be interesting to look back on Ronaldo's career in ten years and see which season was the height of his career
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Shreyas Chitnis about 1 year ago
i agree with John,maybe a run or a cross or even a free kick in the final might work his way
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John Ingram about 1 year ago
Your right about those past players Alby - there is an iconic moment for each of the greats you mentioned - as they knew how to make it happen as it came naturally to them the gift of a few.
Great article and great summation about the final it is very true.
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Jimmy McJerkins about 1 year ago
Great Article....i can`t add anything to that.
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XXX XXX about 1 year ago
Thanks much appreciated...
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S B about 1 year ago
Part two of this is coming soon, one way or the other, I`m guessing.
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Lorenita Torres about 1 year ago
Ronaldo is a good player.
but some times he forget his friend in the game.Some times we see him selfish
And the game will chelsea will say ,who is RONALDO???
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XXX XXX about 1 year ago
Good point Lorentina he will have problems with this when he looses some pace when he gets older and will have to change his game a lot...
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