VideoNEW
Podcasts
Blogs
Watching Lionel Messi torment Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League clash at the Nou Camp, following his hat-trick haul against Valencia in La Liga, and witnessing the exceptional Wayne Rooney this season, as he closes in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 42 goals in a season for Manchester United, one thing resonates strongly – the team takes priority over the individual.
Some would argue not, given Messi and Rooney’s individual dominance this campaign, but look closer at the fabric and ethic of these two.
Messi’s greatness, apart from his dazzling array of skills, is enhanced by his willingness and ability to play the unselfish pass. He sacrifices low percentage opportunities to create another sound bite for news highlights in preference of what best suits the team’s system.
It’s because he so often performs the improbable, even unthinkable, that not enough credit is given to his relatively simple work.
His runs off the ball that pull markers wide and create space for his team-mates, his understanding with his Barca wide players to pull opposition defences out of sync and the boyish joy he displays when a team goal is realised.
The reason Messi will be the iconic genius of his generation is all about his freakish ability but the way he’s endeared by neutral fans world wide is as much about his approach to the game.
You could argue that Rooney is more enterprise than genius but this season that measure is being counter-balanced by an unnerving string of match winning performances for Manchester United.
When you think luxury cars Cristiano Ronaldo would be a Ferrari, Kaka a Rolls Royce and Messi a Porsche. If so Wayne Rooney would have to wear the Aston Martin badge, and I’m not talking the Austin Powers version.
Motoring analogies aside, Rooney’s team ethic was in part moulded by the attacking colossus that was Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
The Ronaldo dominated period saw an accelerated development of Rooney’s defensive awareness and execution.
His ability to track back and get stuck in, good old fashioned British work ethic, provided United with another layer of cover in one of its most successful spells.
The 2010 version is a lot more attacking but time after time the United number 10 shows us a quick switch of play, tremendous understanding with his team-mates and a body language that screams team.
Rooney is a throwback superstar. Sir Alex Ferguson says his star striker’s approach to others allows him to stay on track.
“He’s so free with his time. He has these wonderful qualities that you don’t get a lot in people today. And I don’t think he will change.”
In an era of incredible riches and global adoration let’s hope not.
World Cups and Champions League football are just par for the course for SBS's No1. commentator, who also hosts The World Game program.
Read More.
Meet Our Bloggers
Les Murray
Fondly known as 'Mr Football', Les has been directly involved in all
the major events covered by SBS Sport, including five World Cup
football tournaments. Follow @lesmurraysbs on Twitter.
Craig Foster
As SBS’s chief football analyst, Craig provides expert opinion and unrivalled insight. He has also represented the Socceroos and played abroad. Follow @Craig_Foster on Twitter.
Ned Zelic
Considered one of Australia's most gifted players, Ned Zelic represented the Socceroos 34 times over a decorated career that spanned Europe, Asia and the United Kingdom. Follow @NedZelic on Twitter.
David Zdrilic
After years playing abroad and a 20-goal career for the Socceroos, David turned his hand to football punditry and is a beach football fanatic. Follow @zdrila on Twitter.
Scott McIntyre
Scott’s passion and knowledge of Asian football has consolidated his reputation as Australia’s foremost Asian football expert.
Vitor Sobral
Vitor commentates for SBS and works as a presenter for The World Game. His passion for European football resonates through his blogs. Follow @Vitor_TWG on Twitter.
Philip Micallef
Philip Micallef is a football writer with almost 40 years of experience. He has worked for News Limited and now SBS. He is a long-time follower of AC Milan.
The Circus
The Circus is The World Game's regular look at the beautiful game from left field. So join us every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for something a little more light-hearted than the norm.
Tim Vickery
British-born Tim works as a journalist and has lived in Brazil since 1994 and provides unrivalled knowledge of South American football.
Cornell Heyden
Hailing from Amsterdam, Ajax tragic Cornell vander Heyden has over 12 years of journalism experience and cites covering the 2006 World Cup among his career highlights. Follow @dvanda101 on Twitter.
