Real Madrid’s top midfielder is in for a different challenge. This challenge is one his arch rival has mastered over the years.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have been arch rivals for decades. The two have often used very different attacking styles, both however featuring their top goal scorers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. This season, Real Madrid are changing things up and mirroring their arch rivals’ longtime tactical idea.
Lionel Messi is the world’s best midfielder. While he does the majority of the goal scoring for his team, he makes every scoring opportunity start from the midfield. Playing the number nine position isn’t the most comfortable spot for Messi, as he prefers to start his attacks from the wing and make his way towards the net with his unparalleled ball-handling skill.
Ronaldo is a similar player to Messi in this regard. Traditionally lined up as an attacking winger looking to attack the goal with as much force as he can, the number nine position has recently been reserved for Karim Benzema and other natural strikers.
Now as Real Madrid shift things up, Real Madrid will turn their attention to Ronaldo being the frontline option for goal scoring. While not necessarily ideal for Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo obviously has the goal scoring ability and experience to make any chance or even half chance count.
Barcelona are in position once again ready to set up their attacks in a way that allows Messi to get any chance he wants. His ability to attack from the wing as well as score from a traditional
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attacking spit as the team’s number nine is what makes him the most feared goal scorer of all time.
Ronaldo is less experienced with this role, but has every tool necessary to excel at it. His bigger frame and strong leg gives him the ability to hit from long range as well as attack the net from outside the box a la Messi.
The biggest question for Ronaldo is whether or not he will continue to be as proficient of a passer as he’s been throughout his career at Real Madrid. Barcelona feel comfortable moving Messi around, as he is used to coordinating with his teammates and knowing exactly where to place his passes. Part of this assurance comes from Messi having experience playing with many of his Barcelona teammates on the international stage as well.
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Ronaldo has a tall task on hand, but there is no one better prepared for it. Real Madrid are taking a chance putting their best player at the number nine, something they have barely ever tried before.