Why Kuyt is better than Ronaldinho

[Carradona]

Pfft, Dunga? The guy who picks Lucas?

 

Ha! What kind of idiot would - oh wait.

 

He's been our best player of the season by, like, three votes or something gay like that. Keep up.

[Ted]

True but people are also not considering the physical side of the Premier League. Ronaldinho might be a class act and technically gifted but he might not survive here. He is too much of a light-weight all thing considering.

 

Kuyt on other hand is well equiped to handle that side of the game. For that reason alone I pick Kuyt.

 

Passion, heart and work rate are just added perks that come with Kuyt.

 

Tell that to John Terry, the big rugged centre half who Ronaldinho shrugged aside in 05/06.

 

And you don't think defenders in Spain or Italy are tough?

[Ted]

And as for Kuyt being better than Ronaldinho cos he's a bit defensive and shit: Gerard Houllier called and said he wants his philosiphy on strikers back.

[GJM]

1-0 up, 10 mins left, opposition coming at us and we're struggling to close the game down? Kuyt's my man.

 

At any other time during the game, and under any other scenario, Ronaldinho by some distance.

[WhiskeyJar]

Tell that to John Terry, the big rugged centre half who Ronaldinho shrugged aside in 05/06.

 

And you don't think defenders in Spain or Italy are tough?

 

You sound like Messi when he said the La-Liga is the best League in the world.

 

Not saying there no tough defenders there but surely when it comes to aggression and physical prowess surely the Premier League comes out on top every time.

 

Isnt that why some of the most talented players in the world have a hard time adapting??

 

Maybe this will support my argument:

 

Maxi: I was made to play here - Liverpool FC

 

 

Maxi Rodriguez has revealed how he believes the aggressive nature of the Barclays Premier League will bring out the best in him.

He has made six appearances for Liverpool since completing his January transfer from Atletico Madrid.

 

And rather than be perturbed by the notoriously combative style of English football, Maxi admits it's something he is relishing.

 

"It's going fantastic so far and I couldn't have hoped for better," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's so different to daily life in Madrid, but I think I am settling in and it's even better here than I expected it to be.

 

"Gradually as the weeks have gone by, I've been getting used to daily life in the city. I think it will be even better when I'm more settled.

 

"It's totally different here to the football in La Liga. Certainly you are aware of the fact it is a lot more physical, tougher and aggressive - they are the big differences.

"But wherever you play football in the world, you still play with a round ball, so you get used to it.

 

"What's more, I really like the competitive, physical aspect of the game. I think it suits my style and I'm enjoying it."

 

There are fewer fixtures more physically challenging than a Merseyside derby, however Maxi was a stand out performer in Liverpool's battling victory over Everton earlier this month.

 

Dirk Kuyt's second-half header settled a typically feisty encounter at Anfield - and Rodriguez admits the Kop played a key role in firing up Rafael Benitez's side on the day.

 

Reflecting on his derby bow, he said: "I loved it. I really enjoyed it because we won - the fact we came away with the three points was very important.

 

"It's a long time since I've played in such a high tempo, intense game and atmosphere.

 

"All home games are special occasions for the players and fans, but you play with your heart on those occasions because you know how much it means to the supporters."

 

The 29-year-old added: "It's something special to hear the fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone.

 

"I'd been here with Atletico in the Champions League, but obviously I was on the opposition. You really appreciate this tradition when you know the fans are on your side and singing on your behalf.

 

"It's a beautiful moment and a special experience for both fans and players. It's a real motivating factor and something that should continue for all of Liverpool's existence. It's unique and special."

 

Maxi was greeted by a few familiar faces at Melwood when he completed his move to Anfield - most notably international colleague Javier Mascherano.

 

"Javier has been a great help - a massive help - for me, especially from the language point of view," he acknowledged.

 

"When you come to a different club in a different country and you don't understand the language, it's a big help to have someone around who can translate for you.

 

"However, the big thing is to try on your own, and so when I am out and about I try to learn. I also have a teacher and I'm having lessons, and bit by bit I'll get used to speaking.

 

"Speaking is hard so far, but my understanding is coming along."

 

The Reds' new No.17 was also welcomed to Merseyside by former Atletico teammate Fernando Torres.

 

The pair struck up a close friendship during their time together at the Vicente Calderon - and Maxi is eager to be reunited once again on the pitch.

 

He said: "Fernando and I had some good times playing together at Atletico. As well as being a great player, he is a good guy.

 

"Obviously we have a really strong squad here at Anfield, but you will always miss someone like him.

 

"So to get him back will be a real bonus. I am looking forward to playing with him again greatly."

 

Maxi has started Liverpool's last two matches, but will be forced to watch Thursday's Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni from the sidelines.

 

Having figured for Atletico in continental competition this season, Rodriguez is ineligible to play a part in the Reds' European campaign for the remainder of 2009-10.

 

"When I found out it wouldn't be possible for me to play in Europe, it left a sick feeling in my stomach," he admits.

 

"You always want to play and take part, and you feel as though you are almost letting your teammates down by not being able to play. But you've just got to take it in your stride and move on."

 

He added: "I am reasonably satisfied so far - I think I've done okay.

 

"I came here to perform and do a job for the side. I think it's a case of working on my physical strength to make sure I can last and be 100 per cent throughout the 90 minutes. The football is different, as I said before, but I think so far, so good."

 

Meanwhile, the forward has revealed the reasoning behind the decision to display 'Maxi' on the back of his jersey rather than 'Rodriguez'.

 

"I am fine with Maxi, but fans can call me whatever they prefer," he said.

 

"We tend to have lots of nicknames in Argentina. Mine is 'La Fiera', while Javier's is 'the boss' or 'El Jefe'. It's a tradition over there for players to have a nickname."

[Ted]

I didn't say the Premier League wasn't aggressive.

 

Ronaldinho has been kicked from pillar to post throughout his career. You only have to look at Torres, Pires, Henry and Ronaldo to see that flair players aren't all shit houses.

[King Emlyn]

I didn't say the Premier League wasn't aggressive.

 

Ronaldinho has been kicked from pillar to post throughout his career. You only have to look at Torres, Pires, Henry and Ronaldo to see that flair players aren't all shit houses.

This is true, i don't know who called Ronaldinho lightweight, he's as strong as an ox.

[WhiskeyJar]

I didn't say the Premier League wasn't aggressive.

 

Ronaldinho has been kicked from pillar to post throughout his career. You only have to look at Torres, Pires, Henry and Ronaldo to see that flair players aren't all shit houses.

 

The way I look at it, you get more time on the ball than you do in the Premier League. That suits Ronaldinho as he has the freedom and the time to make his tricks/passes/stepovers work.

 

I dont think he would be able to that here let alone adapt to the Premier League's style.

[SiliconeSoul]

I always thought the best way to adapt to a league and culture was to play games. If we're worrying about the physical aspect of our league, which is not that different to any other these days, in that you can barely touch anyone, then we've bought the wrong player.

 

Xabi was one who was accused of being lightweight when he first arrived but he soon adapted and became a better player for it.

[WhiskeyJar]

I always thought the best way to adapt to a league and culture was to play games. If we're worrying about the physical aspect of our league, which is not that different to any other these days, in that you can barely touch anyone, then we've bought the wrong player.

 

Xabi was one who was accused of being lightweight when he first arrived but he soon adapted and became a better player for it.

 

That was a subpoint that I was going to make. The Premier League had loads of stars come here only to be chewed and spat out, to go on and become better players abroad. Happens all the time.

 

To come here and stay is a different matter all together.

[Guest PurpleNose]

If Ronaldinho could be arsed he'd take the piss in the Premier League.

 

I very much doubt he'd find the motivation to do so though.

 

He became the best player in the world in a better league than ours so he clearly has the ability to succeed in England.

 

He'd get less time on the ball, he'd get less freekicks (although not necessarily kicked more), but he'd be up against some really shit defenders, a lot of the time.

[Torvald Utne]

Ronaldinho is like a snooker player that can make a wonder shot but keeps fucking up the little 2 foot positionals. Sure he can make a goal out of nothing but chances are he's put you in the position of needing a goal to salvage a draw.

[Ted]

Ronaldinho is like a snooker player that can make a wonder shot but keeps fucking up the little 2 foot positionals. Sure he can make a goal out of nothing but chances are he's put you in the position of needing a goal to salvage a draw.

 

You do realise that you're comparing him to Kuyt, right?

[Christian]

I would rather Ronaldhino by about THIS much! A LOT!

[Torvald Utne]

Fuck it, let's get the ricardos in, vaz te on one side and quaresma on the other. Can't lose.

 

Hmmm a team of ricardos....

[Little Sammy]

I'd still have Ronaldinho in our team over Kuyt. We've got a shortage of flair players all over the pitch and we're badly in need of someone who can provide that bit of magic, besides Torres and Gerrard.

[stringvest]

This is madness. Kuyt is shit. He's been shit all this season (except for one game), and he was shit for most of last season. He was shit for most of the season before. He's a big part of why we're shit as a team. He has a negative influence on our capability as a team, year in, year out.

[SiliconeSoul]

So this thread wasn't a nightmare I had.

[Thants]

This is madness. Kuyt is shit. He's been shit all this season (except for one game), and he was shit for most of last season. He was shit for most of the season before. He's a big part of why we're shit as a team. He has a negative influence on our capability as a team, year in, year out.

 

Not this.

[Markmywords]

TK421 why aren't you at your post?

 

I see what you are saying with the original thread, it's a sensible manager's option over a flamboyant one, but it's just far too tempting not to go for goofy ron considering the drab football we've had to watch this year.

 

It's like saying to a man that's been in the desert for a year 'would you like a nice sensible glass of water followed by a bath or a cold pint of lager whilst you pummel the shit out of Jessica Alba's back doors?'

[The 5th Benitel]

It is mental that we've got to the point were some of our fans would rather have a forward whose main attribute is tackling back of one of the major attacking talents of the last decade.

 

He might well lose the ball but that's cos he's trying to go past players rather than going off towards the touchline before passing it back to a defender.

[AL66GOLF]

It is similar to the mentality of Rafa, in lets not lose the game rather than the "lets go out and win it" mentality that we need from the off.

[SiliconeSoul]

It is mental that we've got to the point were some of our fans would rather have a forward whose main attribute is tackling back of one of the major attacking talents of the last decade.

 

Welcome to the internet. It's like a contest and the more mediorce the player the more support they get. Cult hero syndrome.

[Guest TK-421]

TK421 why aren't you at your post?

 

I see what you are saying with the original thread, it's a sensible manager's option over a flamboyant one, but it's just far too tempting not to go for goofy ron considering the drab football we've had to watch this year.

 

It's like saying to a man that's been in the desert for a year 'would you like a nice sensible glass of water followed by a bath or a cold pint of lager whilst you pummel the shit out of Jessica Alba's back doors?'

 

Obviously Ronaldinho is technically lightyears ahead but I still prefer the overall package we get with Dirk. Ronaldinho is now the ultimate luxury player, just my opinion.

[SiliconeSoul]

Obviously Ronaldinho is technically lightyears ahead but I still prefer the overall package we get with Dirk. Ronaldinho is now the ultimate luxury player, just my opinion.

 

Overall package? Barmy.

 

I'd say given Kuyt is more of a luxury player because he has a specialised defensive role in a creative position.