Skills of the Week: Ronaldinho, Buonanotte & Alex

Several fine South American highlights have graced the football fields in recent days.

Ronaldinho was in inspired form against the Azzurri on Wednesday night in London, with the bucked-toothed genius showing an array of skills at the Emirates, leaving the crowd drooling.

In one particular passage of play, Ronaldinho found himself tight on the left-hand touchline, with Daniele De Rossi in close proximity looking to snuff out any threat. However, the Italian No. 6 was bamboozled by the lightening feet and ability of the AC Milan playmaker to play the no-look pass and get himself out of trouble in style.

Ronaldinho’s wonderful play can be seen here.

Another cute piece of skill was delivered by Internacional’s Brazilian midfielder Alex in his side’s 2-1 victory at Gremio in the Campeonato Gaucho earlier this week.

Receiving the ball tight on the touchline, the midfielder was quickly closed down by Gremio defender Leo. However, the defender never came close to the steal as Alex came up with a silky dragback that left the defender starring where the ball used to be.

Alex’s sweet drag-back can be seen here.

Last, we head to Argentina for last weekend’s match between River Plate and Colon. River’s diminutive No. 10 Diego Buonanotte was fed the ball on the far right-hand side with Colon’s Pablo Cesar Aguilar charging in and looking to clear the danger.

Knowing he only had time to take one touch before the defender would come slamming in, Buonanotte cheekily sent the ball through No. 6’s legs before the crunching tackle took him out.

Buonanotte’s “nuts” can be seen here.