Sergio Aguero at 100%

            For some players, top form is achieved every few games, or at the end of the season, and for others, they may never reach their full potential in a season. For Sergio Aguero in Manchester City’s 4-1 dominance over Tottenham today, this peak performance was reached, and it showed. In order for Aguero to reach this potential, it often takes time and some patience, but when he is at 100%, there are few that can stop his sheer attacking nature.

            His first goal in the game was a perfect display of the havoc that Aguero can cause when he’s fit. The ability and confidence to control the ball in the presence of a defender and let loose a shot that would leave many keepers standing is a characteristic any coach wants in their strikers, and Aguero has it. Playing the lone man forward, Aguero and his team kept the attack up, leading to three opportunities from the penalty spot. With Aguero taking all three, two goals were made and another was saved by Tottenham’s goalie, Hugo Lloris.

            The quickness and acceleration that Aguero possesses is something to be marveled at, and most defenders don’t stand a chance at keeping up with him for short distances. Aguero is able to drive past defenders with pace, constantly unpredictable, and also keep his cool when it comes time to take a shot. Throughout the entire game, Aguero continued to put pressure on Tottenham and kept the defenders guessing, and it showed in the end score. Taking all four goals for City while helping to keep Tottenham to just one goal, Aguero put on a show to remember, and put himself further in the talk of the best strikers around. This attacking mindset with confidence is a quality that I see as the most important for a forward player, and along with Aguero’s pace when he is fit, this quality leads to many goals. With this performance, Aguero took the lead as Manchester City’s top goal scorer in the Premier League with 61 league goals. If Aguero stays at this level of play, he may be able to lead City to yet another league title, but he must stay at 100% fitness.

Messi vs. Ronaldo: El Clasico

            When it comes to discussions of the best footballers in the world, throughout seasons and tournaments, there have been only two true contenders over the last five years at least: Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Both currently playing for Spain’s biggest clubs, it has been hard to determine a clear winner of the title, and both are unquestionably phenomenal players. With Messi holding four consecutive player-of-the year awards and Ronaldo winning the most recent, it has been a close race to say the least. During this season, however, there is one more factor that adds to the discussion.

            In Spain, the most career La Liga goals is 251 and the record is held by Telmo Zarra. After today’s game against Eibar for Barcelona, Messi sits at 250 La Liga goals, and is consistently expected at least one goal per game, and delivers almost all times. This would lead to the conclusion that Messi should easily surpass the record by his next game, and this is expected. However, this game is arguably the most important one of the season, and it seems like everything is happening at this game. First, it is El Clasico, the game where the two Spanish giants play each other: Barcelona and Real Madrid. Also, a big rival to Messi’s career, Christiano Ronaldo plays for this club, and the battle is always much anticipated. Another big talking point to this particular Clasico is the fact that this is the first game that Luis Suarez will be available for Barcelona after his ban, and many are waiting to see his impact for the team. All this seems to set the perfect stage for Messi to put away one more goal and reach the record set by Zarra. All of these aspects of the game should prove to be motivating for Messi and his team, and I wonder how it will play into how the team plays.

            As to the discussion of who reigns as the best player in the world, it has previously been argued that Ronaldo is the better all-around player while Messi only plays a specific role. While this may have been true at certain times, Messi has been developing a role for Barcelona rarely seen from him before, and he is scoring less individual goals while setting up teammates all over the place. Also, both players have their problems with fitness, as to be expected with top players who start every game for club and internationally. Recently, Ronaldo has struggled with leg issues that may not ever fully recover, and Messi has had no shortage with injuries throughout his career. All in all, both players are fantastic on the pitch and to watch, and they both deserve the praise of the best players in the world, but it is impossible to determine which is the best without displaying personal affection based on team preference.

European Games Gone International?

            With the game of soccer gaining popularity tremendously in the states over the last few years, there has been talk of having some of the European leagues hold matches in the US. Whichever way the games and schedules are formatted for this endeavor, there are still plenty of concerns for fans on either side of the Atlantic.

            To start, the fairness of the competition seems to be jeopardized when games are played in different countries. If one round was played overseas, the number of away vs. home games would be changed, and the venue of a soccer game is known to hold power over the result. On the other hand, if one game was added for each team, teams would play each other at different amounts than other teams would play them. For example, one team would play an easier team for the added game while another team would play a difficult team, hurting some teams’ chances for the title. Some serious thought would have to be put in to make it fair, and even two overseas rounds may have to be added.

            Another concern with matches taking place away from their home country is the fan support. Many, me included, would argue that a club is a part of their community, and those in that community should have the right to go to their games. Moving games, especially important ones, away from the home fans would be upsetting and would take away from those wanting to watch their community team play. Also, imposing a completely different league on the countries that these foreign matches would take place in could prove harmful. In the US, for example, the MLS has been growing rapidly through the years, and needs to continue to build up fan support, and it definitely needs fans to attend matches played. When fans pay to watch soccer games, the club has more money to spend on new players, and ultimately the league grows in its player diversity and performance. If European games were played in the US, most people would go to their game over a local MLS one, drawing support and money away from MLS teams, which it is in great need of. Overall, I think that, at least with the current state of American soccer, European games should not be played in the US. Preseason games or friendlies would be welcome, but league games should stick to their home countries.