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Manchester United and Barcelona: two teams that look alike â€“ Part 2

20 May 2009

Messi readies for the challenge

(For the Part 1 of this headline, please click on â€˜thisâ€™)

The Fifa Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo is not the only one who can compare himself with the Barcelona ace Lionel Messi. In fact, other players, especially 10 numbers players, also have pretty much in common with the Argentine wonder kid. Without doubt, Manchester Unitedâ€™s striker Wayne Rooney could be Messiâ€™s next challenger, as the English man has all it takes to consider himself as one of the worldâ€™s most powerful number 10 player.

Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi â€“ two influential number 10 playmakers

Over the years, English fans have kept encouraging the 23-year old forward Rooney, so as to see the best of him. It hasnâ€™t always been easy for him though, for the possession of maturity has been one of his strongest wish since the beginning of his football career. Yet, struggle against hot temper and dealing with pressure have remained some of his toughest obstacles, so far.

Outside his troubles, Wayne Rooney has been one of Europeâ€™s most respected players. His passion for the game has developed his skills on the pitch, and it is clear that this season, he is on his way to great achievements not only for himself, but also for his fans. Rooney hasnâ€™t scored too much this season, however when he does, it is clear that his goals are of great value.

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If one can remember, Manchester United had a great moment in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, and it was partly thanks to Wayne Rooneyâ€™s help in the first leg. His important goal at Old Trafford, as well as his superb pass to Tevez was surely what pushed United into the semifinals of the competition. Moreover, his power in the Premier League has also been magnificent. His perfect combinations with Ronaldo arenâ€™t the only signs of his influence, but also, his wonderful passes and strength in attack have been the sources of most of Manchester Unitedâ€™s wins. Eventually, it is true that Rooney deserves to play in a side which has been able to clinch three titles this season, so far.

So, these are certainly the characteristics of a great number 10 player, however, no one can really tell if his qualities exceed those of the worldâ€™s second best player, Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona key player also had a great time in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, and if Barcelona were capable of defeating Bayern Munich in such an easy way, then it must have been because of Messiâ€™s hard work. His two goals in the first leg helped him to top the Champions Leagueâ€™s goal ranking with 8 goals. Leo has also fought hard in the Spanish League to impress the public, scoring over 20 goals, and setting up his co-forwards over 25 times. Having been the key to the possession of two titles so far this season for his club, Messi unquestionably has reasons to believe that he is the worldâ€™s most powerful number 10 playmaker.
Well, this might just be one of his thought, but in the end, what counts the most is the publicâ€™s choice.

Perhaps, Rooney must be wondering what would be the use of such a competition, nevertheless, he might realize that rivalry between him and his strong challenger Messi will be necessary when both of them come face to face in Roma, to decide the Champions League trophy.

Written by Isaac Asante