Five reasons why Rashford - Asensio will be the next Messi - Ronaldo level rivalry

Every year, we see dozens of young footballers making it through the youth ranks and make their first walk into the world of football. While some of them fade away or some never fulfil their potential, some are destined for greatness, since an early age.

Johan Cruyff, George Best, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho were all touted to be legends in their early teens. The current era, however, is ruled by two titans - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both have taken the world by storm and had stamped their authority on the football world ten years ago. Having shown great promise since their tender youth years, they have come far to win probably every big trophy in the game.

But, generations change and nothing lasts forever. Sooner or later, Messi and Ronaldo will call time on their respective careers. The age old Messi-Ronaldo rivalry will finally go behind the curtains. The question is, who should the world look at after they are gone?

Well, the prayers, it seems, have already been answered. Like all the aforementioned legends, it's an era for two youngsters who are bound to reach the zenith in their careers.

Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford. Even their first names sound somewhat similar. The two kids have achieved things that millions of young footballers can only dream of. But, will they fulfil their potential and succeed Messi and Ronaldo as the next best pair of rivals?

Here, we take a look at some similarities that tell us why Asensio and Rashford could well be the next Messi and Ronaldo.

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#5: Playing style

Both Ronaldo and Messi are known for their different, yet devastating player styles. While Ronaldo prefers to use his bag of tricks to bamboozle defenders, Messi relies on his dangerous pace and cutting abilities to beat his opponents. Rashford and Asensio seem to be in the similar league with both Messi and Ronaldo.

In the modern times, Marco Asensio has come closest to the diminutive Lionel Messi in terms of playing style. Like Messi, Asensio is apt at beating defenders with his pace and excellent dribbling skills. Coach Zinedine Zidane further praised the young Spaniard when he said:

"Asensio's left foot is only second to Leo Messi" - Zinedine Zidane

Certainly, a praise like that from the grandmaster himself comes as a huge compliment for Asensio.

On the other hand, Marcus Rashford seems to have been born with Ronaldo's attributes. The wily English forward is difficult to defend with his insane step overs.

Also, Rashford has a blistering pace, similar to that of the former Man United number 7.

"He's a very good young player. I see some of myself in him for sure - he has courage and he's fast and is very good with the ball" - Cristiano Ronaldo

When Cristiano Ronaldo speaks those words about you, you must certainly have the pedigree to be the best.

#4: Impressive debuts

Rashford and Asensio marked their debuts with memorable goals.

This is by far the most crucial reason why both youngsters are being tipped to be the next greats in the game. Both Rashford and Asensio have been extremely exceptional in every debut they have played in. You can name any competition you like. These two wonder kids have scored in them.

Asensio made his first ever appearance in the UEFA Super Cup versus Sevilla in the 2016-17 season. He marked his debut with a terrific 25-yard screamer in a 3-2 win against Sevilla.

In his league debut for Real Madrid, Asensio was on the scoresheet again in a 3-0 win over Real Sociedad. To top it all, Asensio scored a goal in the Champions League final versus Juventus, while Real comfortably won 4-1. All this at just twenty-one years of age!

Meanwhile, Rashford made his first ever appearance for Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League, scoring a brace in a 5-win over Midtjylland.

His league debut was an absolute fairy tale, where he scored a brace and grabbed an assist versus Arsenal in a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford. To top it all, the eighteen-year-old has scored on his seven debuts in different competitions. The lad has it all!

#3: Versatility

Asensio and Rashford can play in various positions in attack.

Versatility is seen as the most important asset in football today. It guarantees you better first team opportunities. Both Asensio and Rashford can be equally versatile when playing for their teams.

Asensio has a great vision for passing. Combine that with his dribbling and he can be as good as any no.10 playing behind the striker. His pace and dribbles also allow him to be better on both the flanks for Real Madrid.

His deft finishing abilities also allow him to be a great threat from outside the box. The youngster is already providing Gareth Bale with a serious competition on the right.

Rashford might be a little weaker on the right, but is an extremely skilled striker considering his keen eye for goal. Also, he can be a great threat on the left flank.

Currently, the Englishman is in competition with French forward Anthony Martial for the left flank at Manchester United.

#2: Handling pressure since a young age

Both youngsters have shouldered their responsibilities too well.

A player is considered to be the best if he can perform well under pressure. And, that is what these kids have been doing for their respective clubs, for years.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for misbehaviour. But, Asensio has handled the pressure fabulously, coming off with flying colours for Real Madrid.

Recently, his brace helped Madrid save their skin with a 2-2 draw against Valencia in the La Liga. Asensio was easily the best player on that night. To top the pile, Asensio has been really fantastic, considering his competition with giants like Isco and Gareth Bale.

Marcus Rashford seems to be carrying a load of expectations on his shoulders at Manchester United. He has been the silver lining in a particularly dark time at the club. But, the youngster hasn't failed to live up to them.

When a number of the Red Devils' best players were underperforming, it was Rashford who rose to the occasion for United. He scored some crucial goals that saw the Red Devils winning important games.

Both Zinedine Zidane and Jose Mourinho have done exceptionally well in handling these two gems. A bow to both of them.

With every performance, the expectations of the fans increase. This causes a lot of pressure for both Rashford and Asensio.

Nonetheless, both have learnt to handle it well with a string of impressive performances. That is what defines the best all above others - The ability to cope with the pressure.

#1: Performing against big teams

Both Asensio and Rashford have proved to be crucial against big clubs.

The biggest reason why they are being heralded as the next big things in football is perhaps their knack for exhilarating displays against big clubs and rivals, turning heads and raising eyebrows.

Marco Asensio. Do we even need to discuss this? The boy already has the world at his feet, following his display against Spanish rivals Barcelona. Two beauties in two El Clasicos.

Asensio is the second youngest player after Lionel Messi to impress like that in the great fixture. His goals have sent Madrid fans going wild, asking 'Who needs Ronaldo?'

And, with the Portuguese talisman serving his ban for five matches, Asensio has taken up his chance to show the world what he is. That brace against Valencia was another of his classic examples as a future superstar.

On the other hand, Manchester United's fans at the Etihad erupted with insane joy, as Rashford scored his first goal in the Manchester Derby on a derby debut.

Another debut, another goal. The lad never seems to stop! Also, Rashford was equally effective versus defending English Premier League champions Chelsea, at Old Trafford, scoring a crucial goal.

Slowly but steadily, Rashford and Asensio have started becoming big concerns for defenders in the Premier League and La Liga respectively.

These characteristics of the two young men make you believe that all is not over for football. The future has so much in store for the fans and players alike!