So the Ballon d'Or shortlist is in and it's a mighty fine shortlist too. Barcelona's Lionel Andrés Messi features, the man who competes with Diego Armando Maradona and Edison Arantes do Nascimento. Then there's the goal machine Ronaldo (no, not that one) who competes with Lionel Messi. Finally, Barcelona has another representative in Andrés Iniesta whose feats for Spain in Euro 2012 drew merited praise. A fine trio indeed: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Iniesta.
I don't doubt Messi's inclusion; in fact I don't doubt anything about him when it comes to football. The man's a footballing titan, a juggernaut, a real world computer game player, a ridiculer of defences, a repeat offender and so much more. Hyperbole, anyone? In 2010 and 2011, Xavi had his place among the final three in the Ballon d'Or. One of the best playmakers in football history and a crucial cog in Spain's domination from 2008 till today. In 2012, one man missed his rightful place among two others for the world to see, to notice and understand who truly shapes games at the highest level. Apart from Messi, of course. This time it was another regista, another conductor on football’s battlefield.
It's just that Pirlo played very well in the last season, superbly in fact. In terms of performances he fits the bill but what about achievements? Conducting an unbeaten league season with Antonio Conte's Juventus is a pretty good start as well as being instrumental in Italy's run to the final of Euro 2012. I watched a few Juventus games last season and Pirlo was peerless. Despite holding a grudge against Italy for narrowly knocking Nigeria out at World Cup 1994, I was converted into an unofficial cheerleader for Italy during the tournament, all thanks to an avid Italian pal. Pirlo ran games for Italy. Prandelli had an organised side but Pirlo's composure, decision making, passing, work rate, tactical intelligence and positioning were brilliant. Educational. Exemplary. Telling.
Here is a player who is one of the most influential of his generation. A player who defines a position much like Claude Makélélé did for over a decade. A player who educates fans. Italy is historically known for catenaccio, organisation and defensive ideologies. Baggio and Totti were two number tens who were wonderful and enthralling examples of creative minds. Baggio has long retired and Totti's fire still flickers as a Roman king at 36. Pirlo is the current creative master for Italy. A FIFA World Cup winner, a UEFA European Football Championship runner-up, a triple Serie A champion, a double Champions League victor, an invincible and he's still passing, still creating, still dictating at 33 years of age.
L'architetto deserves more than a passing mention in the politics of awards ceremonies and personal accolades. Maybe that's the point. A true deep-lying playmaker might not be noticed by everyone watching the game. The praise may go to the goal scorers or the flashy wingers but look closely at the man in the middle. Notice how he shapes, understands, and reads the game. Watch Andrea Pirlo. Marvel at his footballing intelligence. The man is still in his prime and soon it may be too late to watch a master at work: a regista among registas. Andrea Pirlo.
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.
ReplyDeleteKeep the articles coming mate! Good reads.
Thanks for commenting! I really need to get a hang of "prompt replies" on the blog...
DeleteGood points on Casillas and Xavi, I guess there's always a few unfortunate bridesmaids when the final three Ballon d'Or shortlist is announced.
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.
I'll do my best to keep the articles coming...
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.
DeleteHis 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.
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 ;-)
It's funny, in Pirlo's tenth and final season he made the least amount of league appearances since his very first one.
DeletePirlo 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.
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.
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.
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.
No comment on Huddlestone and Charlie Adam. At all. Not today anyway.
Really well written and engaging.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Messi or Ronaldo can be counted out of final three and there'll always be borderline candidates for third spot.
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.
DeleteI 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.