Ronaldinho Is Back To Being One of the Best

The 2009-10 season will be remembered as the season that Ronaldinho returned to the top of the game. The former World Player of the Year has been arguably Milan’s best player with a number of brilliant displays helping inspire a rather modest Milan to third spot in Serie A.

Ronaldinho’s 14 assists in Serie A have made him the top assist provider in the Italian league. With this tally he is on par with the Premier League’s top assist provider, Frank Lampard, and La Liga’s top assist provider, Xavi. Once again, Ronaldinho finds himself in good company.

Ronaldinho’s accumulation of 12 goals in Serie A, along with his 14 assists, is even more impressive when one considers that Milan only scored 60 goals all season.      

Admittedly, it has not been a season of consistency for the former Barcelona star. However, when Ronaldinho has been on form he has been virtually unplayable—just like the Ronaldinho of old.

The Brazilians’ performance against Siena on January 17^th was vintage Ronaldinho. An array of tricks, dinks, and flicks were performed with great effect as "Ronnie" notched up his first hat-trick for Milan, including one wonder-goal.

But, it was not just Ronaldinho’s display against Siena that gave evidence of his return to the top.

In the two matches played against Juventus this season, Ronaldinho scored four goals to ensure two impressive wins for the Rossoneri over the Old Lady.

On the biggest stage of all, the Champions League, Ronaldinho scored one goal before setting up another in Milan’s home loss to Manchester United.

Numerous other dominant displays from Ronaldinho provide sufficient proof that he is back.

Ronaldinho has been the driving force behind the Milan attack, using his exceptional passing skills to great effect. Now 30 years old, he may not be as quick as he once was, but his vision and ability to pass with astonishing accuracy more than compensates for this lack of pace.

Even despite the loss of pace, Ronnie can still skip by defenders seemingly at will. His ability to beat a defender, along with his array of tricks make him undoubtedly one of the most entertaining and enjoyable footballers to watch.

Ronaldinho’s good form this season has not gone unnoticed by Milan, with talks for a new two year contract already underway. If a deal can be reached, for Milan it will be great news.

How unfortunate it is, however, that Dunga has not taken note. It is absolutely scandalous that at the biggest event on the football calender, the world will not see one of the most naturally gifted footballers to have ever played the game.

Rest assured, Ronaldinho is still only 30 years old. If he continues his impressive form from this season into next, the world may not have seen the last of him. We can only hope.

What is certain for now is that Ronaldinho has returned. He is back to being one of the best.