|
New Maradona v new Pele top the Bernabeu bill
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-18 14:05
MADRID, Nov 18 (Reuters) - It is not often that Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zinedine
Zidane, David Beckham and Samuel Eto'o find themselves in danger of being
relegated to the role of supporting actors in a major football match.
Barcelona's
Argentinian player Lionel Messi looks at the ball during a training
session at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona November 17, 2005.
[Reuters] | It might just happen in Saturday's
"clasico" between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Bernabeu game should give Barca's teenage Argentine Lionel Messi the
chance to pit his skills against Real's Brazilian wizard Robinho -- the new
Maradona versus the new Pele.
Although the two players are tipped to set next year's World Cup alight with
their skill, speed and youthful bravado, they have experienced some unexpected
pitfalls in their first full season in the Primera Liga.
Brazil international Robinho was hailed as the player who would guarantee the
return of spectacle and entertainment to the Bernabeu when he arrived at Real
after a long transfer saga in late August.
The 21-year-old lived up to expectations when he paraded his dazzling array
of ball skills to some 8,000 ecstatic fans gathered at the Real Madrid stadium
to see him unveiled to the media.
His league debut was no less impressive -- stepping on to the pitch midway
through the second half with his new side hanging on to a 1-1 draw at newly
promoted Cadiz, he revolutionised the Real attack with his pace and dazzling
close control before helping to set up the winner.
|
