Who is currently the best soccer player in the world?

[hateraid]

Explain it to someone completely new to soccer. I'm pretty interested in following World Cup this year. Gimme a list of at least 5 absolute must watch players...

[riseagainst]

messi

[9erempiree]

Cristiano Ronaldo.

To the OP, I wouldn't watch a particular player but I would watch the nations as a whole. A lot of these other teams are loaded. Even without Messi, Argentina is worth a watch. Brazil's and the French and the Spain's.

I would just keep to USA.

[hateraid]

Cristiano Ronaldo.

To the OP, I wouldn't watch a particular player but I would watch the nations as a whole. A lot of these other teams are loaded. Even without Messi, Argentina is worth a watch. Brazil's and the French and the Spain's.

I would just keep to USA.

Gimme 2 teams to unload a big bet on.

As to players, I'm just curious as I don't follow a particular team, including the US. It's like someone new to basketball. They may be more curious to follow Lebron or Durant rather than The Spurs or Heat...

[hateraid]

Today is Ronaldo. Two years ago was Messi.

What makes him the best?

[KobesFinger]

What makes him the best?

Great scorer of great goals, can win a game by himself, big game player and can score in any way

[qrich]

The best player on this planet is easily Michael Mifsud.

[Rubio2Gasol]

I think Suarez had the best season of any player last year, and while he's not the cerebral talent Messi is, he has some of the rabid innocence Messi has lost. When he loses the ball, he wants it back, he'll run across the pitch for it if neccessary.

Problem is, he's not a great scorer, he just had a very nice streak last year, but overall, he's not capable of the 45 goal seasons Messi and Ronaldo produced. Also, as I said, Messi is as cerebral as he is dominant, he could easily be a teraquista, score 5 goals a season and still be the best in the world. What he does to defensive structures when he's on is unimaginable.

There was alot of great team football last year, very few standout individuals. Capabilities wise I think Messi will always head the list though, people like Ronaldo and Suarez simply aren't the combination of talent and intelligence.

But lately, they want it more than he does, which counts for alot.

I'll throw out my vote, the man I want in my team more than anyone else right now is Angel Di Maria. He is probably the best two way player in the game, unless Vidal, who, admittedly, I watch less, is better (he might be). Di Maria was certainly our best player in big games last year and once positioned in the oldschool Ze Roberto left midfield spot, he was absolutely magnificent.

Like Suarez, he sometimes lacks a brain, but the difference is he legitimately, makes an impact defensively, whereas Suarez simply chases the ball.

[b1imtf]

Ronaldo.

[alenleomessi]

Explain it to someone completely new to soccer. I'm pretty interested in following World Cup this year. Gimme a list of at least 5 absolute must watch players...
Some people will say Cristiano Ronaldo because he won the player of the year award few months ago which is similar to the MVP which was won by Durant? Is Durant a better overall player than Lebron? Hell no. Is he more accomplished? Hell no. Is he a big-game player on the level of Lebron? Of course no.
Its the similar thing with Messi. He coasted through the season and had some injuries. So number one guy to watch this WC is definitely Messi.

I will name you few players from every nation to keep an eye on:
Brazil-Neymar, Oscar, Alves
Croatia-Modric, Rakitic
Mexico-Dos Santos
Cameroon-Eto, Song
Spain-Iniesta, Silva
Netherlands-Robben, Van Persie
Chile-Vidal, Sanchez
Australia-Jedinak, Cahill
Colombia-J. Rodriguez, J. Martinez
Ivory Coast-Drogba, Yaya Toure
Japan-Kagawa, Honda
Uruguay-Suarez, Cavani
England-Sturridge, Barkley
Italy-Pirlo, Balotelli
Switzerland-Shaqiri, Xhaka
France-Pogba, Benzema
Argentina-Messi, Aguero, Di Maria
Bosnia-Dzeko, Pjanic
Nigeria-Moses, Emenike
Germany-Gotze, Ozil, Muller
Portugal-CR, Pepe, Nani
Ghana-Gyan, Boateng
USA-Dempsey, Bradley
Belgium-Hazard, Kompany, Lukaku
Algeria-Feghouli
Russia-Kokorin
South Korea-Ki, Heung-min

[Booz Vivic]

Best soccer player would most likely be Landon Donovan or Tim Cahill as the other ones are not soccer players but footballers.

[Booz Vivic]

Some people will say Cristiano Ronaldo because he won the player of the year award few months ago which is similar to the MVP which was won by Durant? Is Durant a better overall player than Lebron? Hell no. Is he more accomplished? Hell no. Is he a big-game player on the level of Lebron? Of course no.
Its the similar thing with Messi. He coasted through the season and had some injuries. So number one guy to watch this WC is definitely Messi.

I will name you few players from every nation to keep an eye on:
Brazil-Neymar, Oscar, Alves
Croatia-Modric, Rakitic
Mexico-Dos Santos
Cameroon-Eto, Song
Spain-Iniesta, Silva
Netherlands-Robben, Van Persie
Chile-Vidal, Sanchez
Australia-Jedinak, Cahill
Colombia-J. Rodriguez, J. Martinez
Ivory Coast-Drogba, Yaya Toure
Japan-Kagawa, Honda
Uruguay-Suarez, Cavani
England-Sturridge, Barkley
Italy-Pirlo, Balotelli
Switzerland-Shaqiri, Xhaka
France-Pogba, Benzema
Argentina-Messi, Aguero, Di Maria
Bosnia-Dzeko, Pjanic
Nigeria-Moses, Emenike
Germany-Gotze, Ozil, Muller
Portugal-CR, Pepe, Nani
Ghana-Gyan, Boateng
USA-Dempsey, Bradley
Belgium-Hazard, Kompany, Lukaku
Algeria-Feghouli
Russia-Kokorin
South Korea-Ki, Heung-min

Costa Rica - Campbell, Ruiz also dont forget and Ecuador - Valencia, Gruezo!!!

Cote d'Ivoire - Yaya (best midfielder in world), Drogba (previously best striker in world)

[Nick Young]

Ronaldo, Modric, Xabi Alonso, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Paul Pogba

[Booz Vivic]

Ronaldo, Modric, Xabi Alonso, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Paul Pogba

Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley are the only soccer players there :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm

[Genaro]

Ronaldo, Modric, Xabi Alonso, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Paul Pogba
Right now, and considering only the ones who will play (so no Ibra, Reus, Ribery and Bale) I would say my top 3 is
Ronaldo
Suarez
Messi


I will name you few players from every nation to keep an eye on:
Brazil-Neymar, Oscar, Alves
More like Neymar, Thiago Silva and Marcelo

[Nick Young]

Right now, and considering only the ones who will play (so no Ibra, Reus, Ribery and Bale) I would say my top 3 is
Ronaldo
Suarez
Messi


More like Neymar, Thiago Silva and Marcelo
Messi was shit this year bro, doesnt belong in the same sphere convo as Ronaldo, Bradley and Suarez, not based off Messi's play this season.

[Booz Vivic]

Messi was shit this year bro, doesnt belong in the same sphere convo as Ronaldo, Bradley and Suarez, not based off Messi's play this season.

:) BRADLEY :)

[Genaro]

Messi was shit this year bro, doesnt belong in the same sphere convo as Ronaldo, Bradley and Suarez, not based off Messi's play this season.
Bradley? Keep your trolling for Bran stans.

[alenleomessi]

More like Neymar, Thiago Silva and Marcelo
the dude is new to soccer so i offered him offensive and flashy players.. plus marcelo had a pretty poor season except for the CL final..

[Booz Vivic]

the dude is new to soccer so i offered him offensive and flashy players.. plus marcelo had a pretty poor season except for the CL final..

but why did u dizz the ivory coast by not including them?

[Genaro]

the dude is new to soccer so i offered him offensive and flashy players.. plus marcelo had a pretty poor season except for the CL final..
Marcelo is an offensive and flashy player
Daniel Alves had a worst season.
And Marcelo's season wasn't that bad. Thing is he was injured and when he came back, Ancelotti decided to keep Coentr

[hateraid]

Bet it all on the god damn US of A

Fruuuuck that!

I just laid it down for Portugal, Belgium, and England with Russia as my darkhorse in a pool

[hateraid]

Some people will say Cristiano Ronaldo because he won the player of the year award few months ago which is similar to the MVP which was won by Durant? Is Durant a better overall player than Lebron? Hell no. Is he more accomplished? Hell no. Is he a big-game player on the level of Lebron? Of course no.
Its the similar thing with Messi. He coasted through the season and had some injuries. So number one guy to watch this WC is definitely Messi.

I will name you few players from every nation to keep an eye on:
Brazil-Neymar, Oscar, Alves
Croatia-Modric, Rakitic
Mexico-Dos Santos
Cameroon-Eto, Song
Spain-Iniesta, Silva
Netherlands-Robben, Van Persie
Chile-Vidal, Sanchez
Australia-Jedinak, Cahill
Colombia-J. Rodriguez, J. Martinez
Ivory Coast-Drogba, Yaya Toure
Japan-Kagawa, Honda
Uruguay-Suarez, Cavani
England-Sturridge, Barkley
Italy-Pirlo, Balotelli
Switzerland-Shaqiri, Xhaka
France-Pogba, Benzema
Argentina-Messi, Aguero, Di Maria
Bosnia-Dzeko, Pjanic
Nigeria-Moses, Emenike
Germany-Gotze, Ozil, Muller
Portugal-CR, Pepe, Nani
Ghana-Gyan, Boateng
USA-Dempsey, Bradley
Belgium-Hazard, Kompany, Lukaku
Algeria-Feghouli
Russia-Kokorin
South Korea-Ki, Heung-min

Bold give me a rundown on NBA player comparison

Also I thought Bale was good? :confusedshrug:

[RagaZ]

http://www.espnfc.com/story/1822233

Ribery :roll:

[Nick Young]

Bradley? Keep your trolling for Bran stans.
stop trying to troll the OP, stop trying to confuse him. LOL Messi in the same convo as Suarez, Bale, Bradley and Ronaldo, this isn't 2012 bro.

HGH took its toll on Messi OP. For some reason Messi is the only player in football that is allowed to take performance enhanding drugs and human growth hormones (I'm not kidding, seriously look it up). It lead to a great few years of play but now sadly the past two seasons his body is breaking down early, and he is starting to have anger flashes that effect his matches, IE kicking balls in to crowds and stomping on opposing players.

[alenleomessi]

Bold give me a rundown on NBA player comparison

Also I thought Bale was good? :confusedshrug:
bale is welsh, who are not part of england

nba player comparison are pretty tough but here off the top of my head
alves-monta
silva-dragic
sturridge-westbrook
bradley-mike bibby heat version
hazard-someone young and very good and small and fast.. wall, curry? idk
kokorin-idk

[RagaZ]

New York Times:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpjjM-FCEAIzi3V.jpg

[pezt]

In his normal form Messi

Last season Luis Suarez.

[9erempiree]

In his normal form Messi

Last season Luis Suarez.

lol @ normal form.

So Kobe is still the best player in the NBA in his normal form.

Age, wear and tear is part of the game. In their respective careers, CR has been a top 2 player every year. Messi pretty much dropped out of the top 5, even though I think he is one of the top players today.

There is an argument that Di Maria is the better Argentine right now.

[BurningHammer]

New York Times:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpjjM-FCEAIzi3V.jpg
The bottom two are facts. :oldlol:

[CeltsGarlic]

Some people will say Cristiano Ronaldo because he won the player of the year award few months ago which is similar to the MVP which was won by Durant? Is Durant a better overall player than Lebron? Hell no. Is he more accomplished? Hell no. Is he a big-game player on the level of Lebron? Of course no.
Its the similar thing with Messi. He coasted through the season and had some injuries. So number one guy to watch this WC is definitely Messi.

I will name you few players from every nation to keep an eye on:
Brazil-Neymar, Oscar, Alves
Croatia-Modric, Rakitic
Mexico-Dos Santos
Cameroon-Eto, Song
Spain-Iniesta, Silva
Netherlands-Robben, Van Persie
Chile-Vidal, Sanchez
Australia-Jedinak, Cahill
Colombia-J. Rodriguez, J. Martinez
Ivory Coast-Drogba, Yaya Toure
Japan-Kagawa, Honda
Uruguay-Suarez, Cavani
England-Sturridge, Barkley
Italy-Pirlo, Balotelli
Switzerland-Shaqiri, Xhaka
France-Pogba, Benzema
Argentina-Messi, Aguero, Di Maria
Bosnia-Dzeko, Pjanic
Nigeria-Moses, Emenike
Germany-Gotze, Ozil, Muller
Portugal-CR, Pepe, Nani
Ghana-Gyan, Boateng
USA-Dempsey, Bradley
Belgium-Hazard, Kompany, Lukaku
Algeria-Feghouli
Russia-Kokorin
South Korea-Ki, Heung-min

:djparty

[9erempiree]

Probably Spain's best player....Sergio Ramos. Defense gets no love but he is currently the best defender in the world. Very versatile player and his aerial game is one of the best of all players currently. Wins a lot of challenges in the air, scores goals and plays great defense.

I will use this throwback picture, this is what people will remember him when he was coming up.
http://www.hdwallsweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/06/Sergio-Ramos-Real-Madrid-4.jpg

[Trollsmasher]

lol @ normal form.

So Kobe is still the best player in the NBA in his normal form.

Age, wear and tear is part of the game. In their respective careers, CR has been a top 2 player every year. Messi pretty much dropped out of the top 5, even though I think he is one of the top players today.

There is an argument that Di Maria is the better Argentine right now.
Easily the best Argentinian this season:applause:

[Lebowsky]

Probably Spain's best player....Sergio Ramos. Defense gets no love but he is currently the best defender in the world. Very versatile player and his aerial game is one of the best of all players currently. Wins a lot of challenges in the air, scores goals and plays great defense.

I will use this throwback picture, this is what people will remember him when he was coming up.
http://www.hdwallsweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/06/Sergio-Ramos-Real-Madrid-4.jpg
Oh go **** yourself, please. It's already bad enough to have you trolling with Real Madrid, leave the Spanish NT alone.

[yobore]

Ronaldo is best right now but he's just holding the spot for Pogba

[9erempiree]

Oh go **** yourself, please. It's already bad enough to have you trolling with Real Madrid, leave the Spanish NT alone.

He is in his prime. Just won Champions League. Just got a big contract making him the 3rd highest player with RM. Spanish team is lacking big names, they are either too old or too young.

Yea, I'd say Sergio is the best player on the team and many would agree with me.

Like I said, defense gets no love.

[alenleomessi]

Iniesta and Silva are 1 and 2.. Ramos is probably 3rd right now with Xavi's decline

[Nick Young]

Ronaldo is best right now but he's just holding the spot for Pogba
The conversation goes like this, Suarez, Bradley and Ronaldo clear cut top tier with Pogba waiting to overtake them, Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos fighting it out for best defender.

Muller also is known as Mr World Cup and has a good chance to be this year's best player. In 2010 Germany would have won the tournament if Muller didn't get suspended.

[Shade8780]

Most of the guys in here are trolls and biased. My country's not in the World Cup so you can listen to me :D


To the OP, the best player in the world right now is Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, but in the same way KD has been better than LeBron this season. Lionel Messi from Argentina is the best player in the world and has GOAT potential when in top form like LeBron. Ronaldo has finally won the Ballon D'Or over Messi, the equivalent of KD finally winning the MVP over LeBron. Only difference with this comparison is that Messi is younger than Ronaldo.

The top player I'd watch apart from Messi and Ronaldo is Neymar from Brazil, despite his form this season with Barcelona. Neymar looks like the best player in the world when playing with Brazil, but when he plays for Barca, he has to take a lesser role to Messi and can't play his type of game. He was also played out of position for most of the season as right-winger (winger is the wide out position in the midfield) to assist the forwards with crosses, instead of left-wing (same position as Ronaldo) where he can cut in with his right foot and score goals. The next best player in the world I think is Luis Suarez from Uruguay who has been a beast up front this season for Liverpool. I don't like him, he's a huge prick, but he's ****ing good. There's a lot of other guys, but since you asked for top 5, I'd go with Andres Iniesta from Spain. He also plays for Barcelona, and is a centre midfielder who can play as a left-winger too. He's an amazing dribbler, a great assister with his passing and scored the goal to win the last World Cup. I guess you can compare him to Chris Paul as an all-around package. There's so many other players like Yaya Toure, Eden Hazard, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba, Mario Gotze and Robin Van Persie, along with guys like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Radamel Falcao, Franck Ribery and Marco Reus who are all world-class players out of the World Cup with injuries, or their country didn't qualify.

The favourites to win are Brazil, the hosts of the World Cup and the most successful country in history, with other top contenders such as Argentina, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Uruguay, Netherlands and Portugal. Underdog is probably Chile.

tl;dr Top 5 players to watch are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. Top teams to watch are Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Uruguay, Netherlands and Portugal.

[kurple]

Today is Ronaldo. Two years ago was Messi.
Ronaldo was a complete no show in the biggets game of his life and choked away the la liga trophy

Real Even won the copa without him

I would say Suarez and Yaya were the two best this season

[Jasi]

My two cents for the OP.

There are a lot of systems and styles in football but a first separation can be made between teams playing "direct football", "counterattacking football" and "possession football".

To make a long story short (and with inevitable imprecision), think:
direct football : run and gun bball
possession football : Princeton offense
counterattacking football : good defense and fast breaks


For direct football watch:
- Chile
- Argentina
- Belgium
- France
- Bosnia


Possession:
- Spain
- Italy
- Croatia


Counterattacking:
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- England
- Portugal
- Russia


Germany is unclear (to me at least). They were an exciting counterattacking side in 2010, but have turned into a more possession-based one lately. Either way, they're a side to watch.



As concerns the individual players, refer to alenleomessi's list a few posts above.

[hateraid]

Most of the guys in here are trolls and biased. My country's not in the World Cup so you can listen to me :D


To the OP, the best player in the world right now is Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, but in the same way KD has been better than LeBron this season. Lionel Messi from Argentina is the best player in the world and has GOAT potential when in top form like LeBron. Ronaldo has finally won the Ballon D'Or over Messi, the equivalent of KD finally winning the MVP over LeBron. Only difference with this comparison is that Messi is younger than Ronaldo.

The top player I'd watch apart from Messi and Ronaldo is Neymar from Brazil, despite his form this season with Barcelona. Neymar looks like the best player in the world when playing with Brazil, but when he plays for Barca, he has to take a lesser role to Messi and can't play his type of game. He was also played out of position for most of the season as right-winger (winger is the wide out position in the midfield) to assist the forwards with crosses, instead of left-wing (same position as Ronaldo) where he can cut in with his right foot and score goals. The next best player in the world I think is Luis Suarez from Uruguay who has been a beast up front this season for Liverpool. I don't like him, he's a huge prick, but he's ****ing good. There's a lot of other guys, but since you asked for top 5, I'd go with Andres Iniesta from Spain. He also plays for Barcelona, and is a centre midfielder who can play as a left-winger too. He's an amazing dribbler, a great assister with his passing and scored the goal to win the last World Cup. I guess you can compare him to Chris Paul as an all-around package. There's so many other players like Yaya Toure, Eden Hazard, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba, Mario Gotze and Robin Van Persie, along with guys like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Radamel Falcao, Franck Ribery and Marco Reus who are all world-class players out of the World Cup with injuries, or their country didn't qualify.

The favourites to win are Brazil, the hosts of the World Cup and the most successful country in history, with other top contenders such as Argentina, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Uruguay, Netherlands and Portugal. Underdog is probably Chile.

tl;dr Top 5 players to watch are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta. Top teams to watch are Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Uruguay, Netherlands and Portugal.


I read all that and loved it. :applause:

I got money on Belgium. How is that Eden Hazard guy? I'm invested in their games so i'd like to get a little more info

[b1imtf]

Neymar isn't top 5. And any top 5 without Yaya after this season is blasphemous.

[hateraid]

My two cents for the OP.

There are a lot of systems and styles in football but a first separation can be made between teams playing "direct football", "counterattacking football" and "possession football".

To make a long story short (and with inevitable imprecision), think:
direct football : run and gun bball
possession football : Princeton offense
counterattacking football : good defense and fast breaks


For direct football watch:
- Chile
- Argentina
- Belgium
- France
- Bosnia


Possession:
- Spain
- Italy
- Croatia


Counterattacking:
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- England
- Portugal
- Russia


Germany is unclear (to me at least). They were an exciting counterattacking side in 2010, but have turned into a more possession-based one lately. Either way, they're a side to watch.



As concerns the individual players, refer to alenleomessi's list a few posts above.

:applause: i have my money on Belgium

[EMERE]

Well its kinda hard to say whose the best right now, Its not like past years where the undisputed best was Messi without a doubt, and Im not trying to start an argument with Ronaldo fans or anyone who apposes my view, because anyone who followed Fotball will tell you Messi was the best player in the world.

But right now Messi is not the undisputed best in the World, after Messi got injured he was never the same with Barcelona, he just didnt play like the old Messi, so that leaves everyone thinking, If Messi isn't playing like his old self, and trust me, the version Barcelona had was lacking so much to what he previously then who is the best player in the World?


In my opinion nobody truly seperates themselves from each other right now, but only one has the chance of doing so, Ronaldo is really not the best player in the world, the best player in the world has to have that something special, Ronaldo doesnt really captivate the eye when you watch him. Ronaldo is a goal scorer from heart, and ONE of the best, but not THE best, if you are looking for something special, I suggest you watch Messi

Of course that is if he still has it

[Nick Young]

Top 5 players this season:
Ronaldo, Suarez, Yaya, Bradley and Zlatan in no order. Gareth Bale is a close sixth due to his clutch goals in big games.

[Wade3]

Messi on top form is seen by a lot of coaches and players as the Greatest Player Ever

He had a bit of a down year last season but at his best he's untouchable. He's the best finisher, dribbler and passer in the world IMO. Ozil might be a better passer but i give the edge to Messi

[9erempiree]

Messi on top form is seen by a lot of coaches and players as the Greatest Player Ever

He had a bit of a down year last season but at his best he's untouchable. He's the best finisher, dribbler and passer in the world IMO. Ozil might be a better passer but i give the edge to Messi

That is what I am trying to say about Kobe too.

:pimp:

[dannywpt]

Ronaldo and Messi are the 2 best players in the world in the same way that Durant and LeBron are. A clear cut above the rest.

[Marlo_Stanfield]

1. Ronaldo
2. Iniesta
3.Yaya Toure
4. Messi
5. Di Maria/Aguero/Reus

[Bano114]

What makes him the best?

I was thinking about this the other day. This man has the agility and the athleticism that allows him to make so many amazing plays on the pitch.

On the ball, is foot work is among the best in the world. We know that. However...this man off the ball is so smart with his movement and he knows how to use his athletic ability to get to the best spots and beat his defenders.

[TylerOO]

Lionel Richie

[Wade3]

That is what I am trying to say about Kobe too.

:pimp:


I'm a devout apostle of the Church of Kobe, so i'm with you on that one bro

:rockon:

[Shade8780]

I read all that and loved it. :applause:

I got money on Belgium. How is that Eden Hazard guy? I'm invested in their games so i'd like to get a little more info
As a Chelsea fan, I can say he's the best young player in the world along with Neymar and Pogba. Has some serious potential and will be Belgium's top guy.

Belgium will be exciting to watch. Very young team who are already great, but will be even better in 2018 and possibly 2022 too. I can see them getting to the Round of 16 or quarter-finals at least. I think best case for them is to make the semi-finals, don't think they're experienced enough to make the Finals.

[Shade8780]

This video sums up Messi pretty well, despite him being only 19 when he scored this..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vmm-xCq4To