Ronaldinho: Best in Europe?

Filed in archive Players on November 30, 2005

Source: VNexpress

Barcelona's Brazilian star Ronaldinho ran off with the Ballon d'Or, or Golden Ball, award given by France Football, this week. It was expected the player would take the award due to his run of form over the past year, ranging from his stand-still shot past Peter Cech in last year's Champions League match vs. Chelsea to his double this weekend at Real Madrid.

The final top 5 stood as:

1. Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona), 225 pts
2. Frank Lampard (Chelsea), 148 pts
3. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), 142 pts
4. Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 41 pts
5. Andrei Shevchenko (AC Milan), 33 pts

Source: France Football

One impressive factor is how well Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard did as traditional midfielders. While both play often in an attacking role, they are not the smaller, quick attacking midfielders of the likes of Luis Garcia, nor are they fast outside midfielders like Pavel Nedved or Joaquin. Their size and lack of blinding pace makes their accomplishments as goalscorers who can galvanize their sides into action even more impressive.

Henry and Shevchenko have had less impressive years, though Henry in particular could find himself the beneficiary of Ronaldinho's moves next year at Barca.

What is your opinion of the final tally? Should Gerrard or Lampard have won it based on their all around impact, or does Ronaldinho really get the shout based on his effectiveness, despite the talent around him? Send us a mail and let us know your vote.

Late note: Frank Lampard is shortlisted for FIFA World Player of the Year, alongside Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o, also of Barcelona.