We are at that time of the season, when the discussions inadvertently end up at who's the footballer of the year? Yes, of course, none of the leagues have been decided yet and are no where near a point of absolute certainty. However, it should not stop us from discussing the contenders. Isn't it?
Forgive me for being outrightly blatant, but it is more often the glamorous leagues (read as English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga) that end up serving the contenders. And do we really see beyond these leagues this season? I very much doubt. It is more of an unwritten rule that the Ballon d'Or champion ends up courting the world footballer trophy too.
So who is it going to be this time?
Didier Drogba - there are actually very few people outside Ivory Coast and Chelsea support group that like him. Never a contender for attractive football or silken touches, Drogba nevertheless is effective. How else can you explain the surge of Chelsea...they are still in line for FA and Premier League double, were in CL till rolled over by the 'chosen one'...Ivory Coast almost coasts on the rough riding skill of Drogba. Most people don't like the thought but if Chelsea completes the double and Ivory Coast does better than expectations in the world cup, who can stop the elephant?
Wayne Rooney - when Cristiano left United, there were all sorts of talk on how United will take ages to recover. They did show vulnerability early on in the season, but they recovered. And buoy! how did they do that! Apart from the odd contribution from the natural wingers (yes, Valencia, Nani were the traditional wingers this season...a whiff of change from a particular Ronaldo till last season) and the old guard, Rooney made sure he netted every chance he had. Using his head in the best way possible, Rooney made sure that Ferguson had less headaches when it comes to hit-men. With Owen and Berbatov not up to their usual self, Rooney burdened extra duty.
As it happens every world cup year, England are pinning their hopes on an encore. And if Rooney can inspire England to a victory (I doubt if it would happen even if Rooney is at his best) and United to a double....will there be a debate?
Lionel Messi - somehow the favorite...not just because of his skill but because of the exhibition too! A purist's dream and a defender's nightmare, Messi probably scores points even from his opponents. A couple of games without a goal or without a superlative effort would mean a drop of form That would warrant a world-wide discussion on what happened to the little genius!
Messi could be a little lucky in that he is surrounded by a wonderful team...Xavi, Iniesta, Ibrahimovice (themselves contenders) who always give him the freedom to exhibit himself. Barca may not be all-conquering like they were last season but they still are going strong. What might be the barometer would be Argentina's performance. Coming through a turbulent qualifiers, no one is expecting Argentina to be a favorite. This could well be the catalyst for Messi and Maradona.
What if teams share the honors and not be all-conquering like the Barca '09? I somehow feel World cup could tilt the honors...interestingly, Spanish Armada have a better shot at the World cup; will it be one of them who will win this honor too? I doubt...
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