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Each new year brings with it footballing prospects and fresh talent from all over the world, but still they are nothing but a reflection of the exceptional football legends who have passed on their knowledge for generations to come.
The likes of Diego Maradona, Patrick Vieira, Romario, and Pele have given their fair share to both their national sides and a number of football clubs they have played for. Such is the impact of these legends that their skills, creativity, and their attitude of winning every single game has produced some of the most celebrated world class talent that we have today.
With records broken every single year, and newer ones being set every time, these are our top picks for the most compared duo of footballers from the past and the present that seem to be a reflection of each other.
#4 N'Golo Kante and Claude Makelele
Often considered as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world today, Kante has been a subject of comparison to most of the players who have played in his current position.
The World Cup winner has drawn comparisons to all the legendary defensive midfielders out there. But the most important of them all, and probably someone who tops the list is none other than a former Chelsea chieftain, Claude Makelele - a player who is known to have revolutionised the defensive midfield role.
The two have very identical play styles in terms of staying intact in their positions, while also being the gears that propel the machinery of their teams. Makelele was seen ghosting through the inter-plays and literally 'stealing' the ball from the opposition attackers and midfielders.
Similar traits are now shown by Kante as he too behaves ultimately as a 'regista', who denies waves of opportunities the opposition has to present. Being a fellow Frenchmen, Makelele has had nothing but praise for Kante.
#3 Mesut Ozil and Dennis Bergkamp
Often considered as one of the greatest Arsenal footballers of all time, Bergkamp was known for his versatility. He was a player who could score from a minimum number of touches on the ball.
The Dutch maestro played either as a false 9 or as a second striker. Such was the resilience of the Arsenal legend, that defenders feared him more than they feared to lose a game. Bergkamp is undoubtedly a legend in his own right.
With the current Arsenal lineup full of promising talent, one such maestro who has given us a reason to believe in his ability is Mesut Ozil.
With Arsenal's recent clash against Newcastle, Mesut Ozil has proven to be much more than just a footballer who was being criticized for his behavior and performance. His comparison to Dennis Bergkamp is a result of his ability to develop inter-plays between his teammates.
Being the core of his side, Ozil truly draws a comparison to the former Dutch international. A versatile playmaker, Ozil has shown The Gunners' supporters that the legacy of Bergkamp isn't over yet.
#2 Sergio Aguero and Ronaldo
He is considered as one of the most intimidating strikers in the world. Sergio Aguero is a menace who needs no introduction. With his ability to be in the eye of the attack and being a finisher of top quality, Aguero has easily been compared to the former Brazilian International, and certainly one of the greatest of all times - Ronaldo.
With very similar traits and an eye for goal, the two have had multiple attention grabbing moments, as they not only have near identical career statistics, but also their stature and the way they knock the ball around the pitch are similar.
The Argentine International however hasn't been able to gain similar accolades for his national side, but that is something Ronaldo was known for. With the inception of Pep Guardiola's newly formed Manchester City side, Aguero has resurrected in terms of being who he truly was - a world-class striker.
With Ronaldo being one of the greatest of all times, Aguero is one football player who is looking forward to joining similar ranks, after all - scoring goals is what he truly does.
#1 Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona
The two have not been a surprise to the football world, as their very similar dribbling style and the ability to develop world class attacking moments have made these two forwards the most feared and probably the greatest of all time.
Messi undoubtedly is a player with great club career statistics. But he hasn't had a major international trophy ever since he stepped foot on the pitch. Therefore the 31-year-old has been criticised by his own countrymen for not being able to earn international accolades.
This is where Diego Maradona has succeeded. With a very similar playing style to that of Messi, Maradona has had a World Cup and multiple continental titles. This is what success means to the Argentine supporters.
But with their ability to score goals from any position, Messi and Maradona have had a splendid career in terms of being two of the greatest forwards of all time.
