Stan's 5-Point Stance: Ronaldo Far Superior to Messi, De Gea the World's Best GK
In this week's five-point stance, former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore addresses topics related to Raheem Sterling, FIFA, David de Gea, Arsenal and the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate.
1. Ronaldo vs. Messi: There's only one winner
As the end of the year approaches, the Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi debate roars on, and everybody is talking about who had the better year.
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Both are great goalscorers, and both are products of being overly protected by referees. Ronaldo and Messi wouldn't have scored nearly so many goals in years gone by, with tackles flying in and refs turning a blind eye.
But if you want my take, Ronaldo is by far the superior player of the two.
He's proved it in the toughest league in the world, the Premier League. And he's proved it in the most technically demanding league in the world, La Liga.
Ronaldo is better than Messi because he has the physical element—he can defend corners and score goals by sheer force of will. He's also more flexible, in terms of the role he can play for a team. Ronaldo can play either side or as a main striker through the middle.
They seem to trade off hat-tricks these days, but Ronaldo is without doubt the greatest player of his generation.
That said, neither of these modern greats compare to Diego Maradona, in terms of what he dealt with on the field, and how he dragged Argentina and Napoli to glory. Neither compares to Pele either.
2. Is Sterling a striker?
Liverpool's Raheem Sterling had two or three one-on-ones against Manchester United, but couldn't find a way past David de Gea (more on him in a minute). Sterling did score twice from an advanced role against Bournemouth, however.
The question for Brendan Rodgers is whether Sterling should be used regularly as a striker.
In the column for, Liverpool have Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Lazar Markovic, who could all play in support of Sterling if he's up the pitch.
In the column against, you wonder if it's right to put all that responsibility on a young player's shoulders. There's also the consideration of how Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli might feel, should a winger be used in their place as a striker.
From an England perspective, I'm starting to wonder if Sterling and Theo Walcott are the two converted wide men who might dovetail with Wayne Rooney at the Euros. Now there's a front three with pace to burn.
3. Time to leave FIFA behind
The FIFA debacle is getting embarrassing. As per the BBC, their appointed independent ethics investigator Michael Garcia has found things so hopeless that he's resigned his post.
It's time for the big nations to make a stand. England, Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands should take the lead, walk away from FIFA and create a situation where the game's governing body has no power.
The Qatar and Russia World Cups would be null and void, and we could start afresh.
It wouldn't be that hard to organise, as bodies like the Premier League and Serie A already have strong structures in place.
4. David de Gea is king of the keepers
David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world right now, on form. If you look at Manuel Neuer, who had a stunning World Cup, he's just not tested that often in goal for Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, De Gea is saving Manchester United time and again. He's stopping a remarkable number of shots per game and proving the defining factor for his team.
On form, De Gea is the best in the world.
5. Could Arsenal make history?
Could this Arsenal side achieve what the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Robin van Persie and many others failed to do with the Gunners? Could they win the Champions League?
They might be one of the worst Arsenal teams we've seen in recent years, but it really could happen.
They got a great draw against Monaco, and the last eight is diluted by the number of strong teams who've been drawn against each other in the round of 16.
I honestly believe Arsenal could go all the way.
Former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore is in his second season as a regular contributor for Bleacher Report.
