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While the debate over whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is the best footballer will rage on for decades between fans, Johan Cruyff is not one to mix words. The former Ajax and Barcelona player was asked about both the new Barcelona side and who would win the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or at the Aspire4Sport Congress in Berlin, Germany.
The Dutch legend was responsible for the setting up and running of the now-successful La Masia academy and is an inspiration to players and managers alike who have spent their career at the Camp Nou. With the new-look Barcelona side moving away from tiki-taka and playing more direct football, Cruyff was asked to compare this side with those of seasons past.
But he wasn’t very comfortable answering questions he found very mundane.
“Yes, of course, I can see the differences between this Barcelona side and others,” he told the reporter, according to Marca. “Can't you?”
“All I do is express my opinion when you ask me, not criticize. I think it's easy to understand if you look at their midfield. They're all very different footballers.”
I would give the Ballon d’Or to Messi: Cruyff
The former Barcelona manager was then asked for his opinion on who would win the 2015 Ballon d’Or. The award has been won by Messi and Ronaldo in the past seven years, with Messi having won it four times.
While the Portuguese forward won the European Golden Boot with 48 goals last season, his Real Madrid side went trophyless. Meanwhile, Messi led Barcelona to a historic treble and almost won the Copa America with Argentina.
When questioned, Cruyff said: “I've always liked smaller, more technically gifted players because I was one. Cristiano is a great player, but he's a goalscorer.
“He'll never be that creative player you build a team around, the one in charge of how a team plays. His job is the end product, the goal,” Cruyff added.
Cruyff then explained why he thought Messi should win the award instead of Ronaldo, mainly because he thought the Barcelona no.10 was a better team player.
“On the other hand, Messi is much more of a team player: he passes the ball, notches up no end of assists. In my opinion, there is a huge difference between a great player and a goalscorer".
“There's no discussion, nobody is on the same level as Messi. I'd give it to him again.”
