Real Madrid's midfield is stacked with talent this season. But let's be real: they’re missing that one player who can truly unlock the game. Their midfield is jam-packed with box-to-box bruisers—Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni—all relentless and powerful. But there’s one little problem: the creativity just isn’t there. Gone are the days of prime Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić pulling strings with masterful vision and elegance. Enter Paul Pogba—a guy who could very well be the missing piece Madrid's midfield is craving.

Back in 2016, Pogba almost joined Madrid. Imagine the "what-ifs!" But his agent back then thought a little detour through Manchester United was the right move. Spoiler alert: it didn’t exactly go as planned. Fast-forward to today, and after a doping ban cut short, Pogba's contract with Juventus is history. He's now a free agent, ready to make a comeback. And if Real Madrid decides to take a chance, they might just be getting a player ready to set the world on fire.

 

Pogba: The Answer to Madrid’s Creative Woes?

Pogba’s got it all: charisma, vision, passing range, and that X-factor Real Madrid needs. Kylian Mbappé, his French teammate and Madrid's own superstar, said it best. Back when they played together for France, Mbappé practically had a GPS on his foot when Pogba was passing to him: “With him, you just have to lower your head, run, make a call, and you know the ball will arrive at your foot.” If there’s anyone Madrid could use to make those long, defense-splitting passes and get the ball to Mbappé’s feet, it’s Pogba.

Madrid’s current midfielders are fantastic, don’t get me wrong. But creativity? That’s something else entirely. Imagine a world where Pogba links up with Bellingham, combining flair and grit. While Tchouaméni and Camavinga are built like walls in the middle, Pogba is a sorcerer—a guy who can turn a half-chance into a goal. Kroos brought elegance, but Pogba could bring something even more deadly: power, showmanship, and that touch of audacity Madrid’s been missing.

 

A New, Improved Pogba: More Focused and Hungrier Than Ever

After Pogba’s recent challenges and 18-month ban, he’s a player with something to prove. He’s talked openly about his renewed motivation: “I’m still the same player but with a different hunger...I appreciate the game more than before after it was taken away from me.” There’s something raw and refreshing about a player who’s been through the fire and come out the other side, hungrier and wiser.

Madrid, more than any club, loves a redemption story. They’re known for making champions out of castaways and giving stars a new beginning under those legendary Bernabeu lights. And Pogba? He’s ready to be that guy, the one who storms back onto the scene with all the power, vision, and hunger a midfielder could muster.

 

Midfield Comparison: Pogba vs. the Madrid Quartet

Let’s break it down. Real Madrid’s current midfielders each have their strengths:

• Jude Bellingham: Energetic, direct, and unpredictable—Bellingham’s had a fantastic start at Madrid, often breaking through defenses with his direct runs. But he isn’t a classic playmaker. He’s more of a powerhouse with finishing flair.

• Federico Valverde: Hard-working and relentless. Valverde’s great at box-to-box movement but lacks Pogba’s creative edge in the final third.

• Eduardo Camavinga: A versatile dynamo who’s everywhere on the pitch, from midfield to defense. He’s excellent with short passes but isn’t the long-ball maestro that Pogba is.

• Aurélien Tchouaméni: Strong defensively, Tchouaméni is perfect for shielding the backline. But he’s not making those killer through balls Pogba is famous for.

If Real Madrid takes Pogba on, they’d have a weapon they’re currently missing—a creative genius who’s also got the physicality to match anyone in their squad. He’s the kind of player who could give Madrid a tactical edge and bring out the best in his teammates.

 

Chemistry with Mbappé: A Dream Duo?

The thought of Pogba and Mbappé reuniting in Madrid is, frankly, electrifying. These two have an understanding, a shorthand that could translate seamlessly to Real Madrid’s lineup. Pogba’s got the creativity, Mbappé’s got the speed, and together, they could be a nightmare for any defense in Europe. Imagine Mbappé darting down the wing, Pogba lobbing one of those classic long balls—Madridistas would be watching a new era unfold before their eyes.

 

Why Madrid Should Take the Chance

Pogba to Madrid isn’t just a potential solution to their creativity problem. It’s an opportunity for both Pogba and Madrid to reignite a spark. Real Madrid could be the perfect stage for Pogba’s comeback, giving him a platform to perform and prove himself while giving Madrid the creativity they desperately need.

In a team packed with relentless runners and workhorses, Pogba could be that rare magician who brings the finesse and flair that makes Madrid Madrid. Who knows, his signing might just be the move that sets off a chain reaction, bringing Real Madrid back to the pinnacle of European football.

So, Real Madrid, are you ready to roll the dice?

Football is more than just goals and tackles—it's about making the impossible look effortless. Certain players have dazzled us with skills that seem crafted in an alternate universe. Ranking them? That's where the fun (and controversy) begins! Here’s my take on the most skillful players of all time, rated by flair, jaw-dropping moves, and the kind of style that makes defenders break a sweat before the game even starts.

10. Garrincha 🇧🇷

The Original Dribble King

Garrincha had dribbling down to a science and, honestly, he could embarrass defenders with one leg tied behind his back. Known as “The Joy of the People,” he’d feint, juke, and stop just to mess with opponents. He brought the style Brazil became famous for, and without him, would “samba football” even exist?

 

9. Johan Cruyff 🇳🇱

Architect of Art

If you’ve seen anyone pull off a turn and thought it looked “Cruyff-esque,” you can thank Johan for that. His dribbling, passing, and tactical genius brought flair to European football in a way no one else could. You know a player’s good when they invent their own move. Cruyff Turn, anyone?

 

8. Jairzinho 🇧🇷

The Hurricane of Brazil

Jairzinho brought energy and skill to Brazil’s legendary 1970 World Cup team. Known for his powerful runs and remarkable dribbling, he was unstoppable at full pace. Combining strength with flair, Jairzinho’s skill was about more than just control—it was about overpowering defenders with artistry and strength.

7. Neymar Jr. 🇧🇷

Modern Football’s Entertainer

Neymar’s flair is unparalleled in today’s game, embodying the spirit of creativity and spontaneity. His dribbling, tricks, and innovative touches make him a player who consistently entertains while also delivering results. His skills are not just about showmanship; they are a reflection of an instinctive understanding of the game, making Neymar an influential figure in football’s contemporary landscape.

 

6. Pelé 🇧🇷

The Prototype of Skillful Football

Pelé was not only a prolific goal scorer but also a technical marvel. His control, agility, and innovative play set him apart, creating a foundation for future generations to build upon. From his powerful yet graceful strikes to his adept maneuvering, Pelé’s skill level was revolutionary, establishing him as one of the sport’s true pioneers.

 

5. George Best 

The Original Bad Boy

George Best had it all—speed, style, and skill that left opponents looking foolish. A rockstar on and off the pitch, Best was unplayable when he wanted to be. His dribbling alone was pure art, and even though he may not have collected trophies like the others, he left a mark that none have come close to since.

 

4. Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹

The Perfect Balance of Flair and Power

Ronaldo’s step-overs, quick turns, and explosive pace make him a master of skill and control. From his early years at Manchester United to his celebrated career in Spain, Ronaldo developed his technical prowess, integrating it with his athleticism to dominate defenders worldwide. His skill is equally matched by his discipline and determination, setting a high standard for flair in the modern game.

 

3. Lionel Messi 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Master of Balance and Control

Messi is a study in skillful efficiency. His dribbling is as intuitive as it is calculated, marked by a level of balance and control that leaves defenders in his wake. His ability to navigate tight spaces with ease, combined with his precision and vision, makes him one of the most skillful players of all time. Messi’s style is quiet yet commanding, showcasing the heights of technical proficiency.

 

2. Ronaldinho 🇧🇷

Football’s Joyful Maestro

With Ronaldinho, football became a celebration of skill and spontaneity. His style combined technical excellence with pure joy, evident in every flick, no-look pass, and elastico. Ronaldinho’s charisma and effortless control made him a fan favorite, and he remains a reference point for skillful play that goes beyond simple dribbling to embody true artistry.

 

1. Sir Stanley Matthews 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The Wizard of the Dribble

Known as “The Wizard,” Sir Stanley Matthews remains a symbol of skill and elegance on the pitch. His dribbling ability and pace were revolutionary for his time, and his control over the ball in tight spaces set a standard for wing play. Matthews played well into his 50s, a testament to his dedication and talent, leaving a legacy as one of the most enduring icons of skillful football.

 

These ten players represent the pinnacle of skill in football, each bringing a unique approach to the game that has shaped the sport as we know it. From the pioneering techniques of Matthews to the tactical genius of Cruyff, they have redefined what it means to play with flair and mastery, leaving legacies that continue to inspire future generations.

 

Find the link here

 

The 2024 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris ended with Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri taking home the prestigious prize, leaving Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior (Vini Jr) as the runner-up.

Many football fans, players, and analysts had pegged Vini as the favourite, especially after his extraordinary contributions to Madrid's La Liga and Champions League double last season.

Rodri’s triumph over Vini Jr has sparked outrage and raised questions about the award’s criteria. Here’s a look at why many feel that Vini Jr was “robbed” of the award he deserved.

🔥Vini Jr’s Exceptional Season🔥:

Vinícius Júnior’s 2023-24 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He was instrumental in Real Madrid’s remarkable campaign, scoring 24 goals and delivering 11 assists across all competitions, leading the team to a La Liga title and a Champions League victory.

Being the star player for a team that managed to secure both a domestic league and a European trophy is no small feat. His ability to influence big games, particularly in high-pressure moments, set him apart.

In contrast, Rodri had a strong season, anchoring Manchester City’s midfield and playing a pivotal role in their Premier League success and that is just about it. While Spain won the Euro 2024, Rodri’s contributions to that triumph cannot be highlighted as key.

The Spaniard played four games before the final and aside from accumulating yellow cards, which rendered him suspended for Spain’s final Group B game against Albania, he scored one goal in a game Spain won 4-1.

Then in the biggest and most important game of the tournament, the final against England, Rodri could only manage to play just 45 minutes due to injury.

This summed up a rather average showing for the Man City midfielder, who was somehow inexplicably adjudged the best player of the tournament ahead of more deserving candidates like teammates, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams.

While his contributions to City’s Premier League winning season were crucial, his role was more supportive than game-changing and that was made clear in the Premier League Team of the Season Squad released by the Premier League at the end of the 2023/2024 season, where Rodri missed out.

🗣️Outrage from Players, Coaches & Football Fraternity🗣️:

The decision to crown Rodri over Vini has sparked intense backlash on social media. Football fans expressed their outrage on Social Media platform, X, with one X user posting, “Rodri winning this Ballon d’Or is the biggest robbery in football history. Vini has been completely ROBBED.”

Another X user echoed the sentiment, saying, “Vinicius is the real winner and the entire world knows that!” Even players weighed in, with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao subtly sharing his disappointment over the decision by posting an emoji covering its eyes alongside a Vini image.

Retired French Footballer, Frank Ribery posted the words “Ballon d’Or”, along with laughing emojis on his Instagram account. He wasn’t the only one. Players like Sceedorf, Gullit, Benzema, Serge Aurier, and even coaches like Gasperinni of Atlanta.

Many in the football community see this result as an injustice, claiming that Vini Jr’s electrifying impact on the field was overlooked in favor of Rodri’s more subdued but steady contributions.

🤷‍♂️The Jorginho & Luka Modric Cases: A Shift in Ballon d’Or Criteria?🤷‍♂️

In 2020, Chelsea and Italy defensive midfielder, Jorginho, had a stellar club season that was crowned with lifting the UEFA Champions League when his Chelsea side beat Man City in the final. Then he went on to lift the UEFA Euros with Italy that same season, and unlike Rodri he played all the games.

Jorginho was named the UEFA Best Player of the Season unlike Rodri, who missed out on that accolade and for good reason. He was neither the best player in the UEFA Champions League nor the UEFA Euros, although he won that last one shockingly.

Now was it a surprise that Jorginho did not go on to lift the Ballon d’Or that year? No, it wasn’t, because while Jroginho’s Chelsea lifted the UCL and his Italy lifted the Euros, he wasn’t the Best Player for either Chelsea or Italy.

Aside from that, his Chelsea had a bad league season and he wasn’t particularly a standout for them in the league, so the world understood when Bayern’s Lewandoski at the time, lifted the FIFA Best Player for his Golden Boot winning 43 goals in that season, which broke Gerd Muller’s 39-year long record for the most goals in a season by a Bundesliga player.

So the question is if Jorginho was not named the Ballon d’Or winner or FIFA Best Player that year for all his exploits in UEFA Competitions and not just one (the Euros), why was Rodri?

Some believe Luka Modric’s Ballon d’Or win in 2018 should justify Rodri’s but it could never because, unlike Rodri, Luka won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player) after leading his Croatia to the final of the FIFA World Cup in a season he won the UEFA Player of the Season after lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid.

So really the question is did Vini Jr lose the Ballon d’Or because he scored only two goals in two games for Brazil in the Copa America, or because got into altercations with opponent players who provoked him like a human being?

🔗You can check out & follow Vini Jr’s Real Madrid & Rodri’s Man City games here on MSport.