Messi, Ronaldo, who else?

[Canaryboy]

It is often said that Messi and Ronaldo are by far the best players of their generation and that nobody else comes close. 

Are there any players who you feel should be considered the equal of these two and worthy of a mention when discussing the very best players in the world? 

My suggestion is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, just saying that he is "world class" doesn't seem like worthy enough praise, I think he's an incredible player and when you look at his achievements they rank right up there with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

For example, he has won Serie A 6 times with three different teams, La Liga 1 time in one eason, Eredivisie 2 times, Ligue 1 3 times. That's 12 domestic league winners medals across 4 European Leagues. The team with Ibrahimovic in it wins the league.

He routinely pulls off stuff which you'll see no other player even attempt, people talk about Messi's low centre of gravity and Ronaldo's super human work ethic, why don't they talk about this footballing ninja hybrid freak?

Is it because the football world is a bit too snobby to suggest that little old Sweden can produce one of the worlds greatest players? Or because he only did one season in Spain and none in the Premier League, and Serie A isn't fashionable enough these days? Or because he hasn't won a Champions League medal?

 

[KeiranShikari]

Everybody loves a good sporting rivalry, even if it is mostly just media drumming it up to sell El Clasico to Americans. Also I think a lot of it is statistics, they both score quite a few goals.

Personally agree with you though, I rate Ibra and some others above Ronaldo. Especially the Ronaldo of recent seasons, the one that goalhangs and seemingly lives to pad his stats against Getafe and Espanyol. Was a much more entertaining player pre-Rafa.

 

[splutcho]

Ibrahimovic is one of a few players that I get very excited to watch.

 

[GJP]

I hold Ronaldo above the others because he's done it in England and Spain. Though I have little doubt Messi would be a huge success over here.

Ibrahimovic is a joy to watch. It'd be just lovely if he could have a stint in the Prem before he packs it in.

Someone else who has caught my eye is Luis Suarez. I can't remember if he's ever played against us but I've been keeping tabs on him and he's pretty decent.

 

[splutcho]

Suarez and in fact Neymar must both be considered up there with the seasons they're having.

I would say though, I know it's always "Messi and Ronaldo" but in reality, Messi is absolutely streets ahead of CR7.