tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295076609902668105.post407442731100646020..comments2013-01-08T20:04:30.489+00:00Comments on The Football Neutral: A regista among registas: Andrea PirloChukwudi Doziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15824051971207716648noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295076609902668105.post-28407377296609644452012-12-05T00:59:52.711+00:002012-12-05T00:59:52.711+00:00It's funny, in Pirlo's tenth and final sea...It's funny, in Pirlo's tenth and final season he made the least amount of league appearances since his very first one.<br /><br />Pirlo complained that Allegri's tactics sidelined him, that he'd have to change position but Milan did offer him an extension of a year. Not exactly discarded but definitely not valued.<br /><br />He wanted a three-year contract at Milan and to play in his regular role as a regista. Milan were unwilling to offer it but Juve were. You make a very good point on the expectation gap though.<br /><br />On an individual level, it is difficult to argue against Ronaldo and Messi generally. I will try though! Sometimes individual recognition should be given to an individual who operates at a crucial, significant and successful high level who enables the team to perform. Not necessarily goalscorers and super duper stars. <br /><br />Not just an argument for Pirlo but for other players too. That's not true, it was just an argument for Pirlo! It's a line of thinking that I'm aware many won't share but hey. Plus he's a regista, has a cool beard and is a veteran. Nothing better.<br /><br />No comment on Huddlestone and Charlie Adam. At all. Not today anyway.Chukwudi Doziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15824051971207716648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295076609902668105.post-27307000322469433432012-12-05T00:26:18.513+00:002012-12-05T00:26:18.513+00:00Pirlo is fantastic - as demonstrated by his perfor...Pirlo is fantastic - as demonstrated by his performances for Italy and Juventus last season - but let's face it, his phoenix moment is only because he'd being written off by the majority of football fans and discarded by Milan at the start of last season. <br /><br />His stature at the start of last season and the general low expectations of him compared with the heights he reached are a significant difference. But I think that does not mean he necessarily performed at an individual level that is commensurate to classifying him among the top three players in the world alongside Ronaldo and Messi.<br /><br />But a good read anyhow mate. And yes, I think Huddlestone is severely average. Just because he can ping a ball doesn't make him a top level midfielder. Charlie Adam can do that FFS ;-)JK Saturninehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09207997173140732786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295076609902668105.post-8785714850533297262012-12-04T23:54:12.816+00:002012-12-04T23:54:12.816+00:00Thank you, that's very kind! I see your point ...Thank you, that's very kind! I see your point about Messi and Ronaldo being accepted as the top two with the sheer amount of goals they've scored for their illustrious employers. <br /><br />I just felt that Pirlo could have been included in the final three for the Ballon d'Or. I guess it came down to personal preference, a love for registas, and Pirlo's significant influence and contribution in the Calcio and Euros respectively.Chukwudi Doziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15824051971207716648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295076609902668105.post-31624295032426793322012-12-04T20:44:56.533+00:002012-12-04T20:44:56.533+00:00Really well written and engaging.
I don't th...Really well written and engaging. <br /><br />I don't think Messi or Ronaldo can be counted out of final three and there'll always be borderline candidates for third spot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295076609902668105.post-8601905239771158942012-12-03T22:14:20.257+00:002012-12-03T22:14:20.257+00:00Thanks for commenting! I really need to get a hang...Thanks for commenting! I really need to get a hang of "prompt replies" on the blog...<br /><br />Good points on Casillas and Xavi, I guess there's always a few unfortunate bridesmaids when the final three Ballon d'Or shortlist is announced.<br /><br />I'm a little biased when it comes to deep-lying playmakers though. JK Saturnine has been trying to snap me out of praising Huddlestone too much when he doesn't merit it. Pirlo's different class though.<br /><br />I'll do my best to keep the articles coming...Chukwudi Doziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15824051971207716648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295076609902668105.post-11240808734248064632012-12-01T11:34:16.020+00:002012-12-01T11:34:16.020+00:00Interesting line of thought but hard to see past I...Interesting line of thought but hard to see past Iniesta, Messi and Ronaldo. Xavi could of been hard done by too. Casillas won a league and an international tournament as well.<br /><br />Keep the articles coming mate! Good reads.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com