Today, we see the likes of Ronaldo and Messi hogging the headlines, and if we go years back, there were different names but with strikingly similar characteristics.
Blaugrana has a look at some of today’s stars who resemble past’s greats.
Diego Maradona & Lionel Messi
Similarities:
Well, you know all there is to know about these two. They even have family ties! Both stars are Argentinian, both have represented Barcelona, with King Leo still doing so, and both have donned the number 10 jersey. For Argentina, both forwards have played over 90 caps, captained the country, and have scored 30 or more goals. Now, let’s hope Messi can one day lift the World Cup like Maradona did!
Luis Figo & Cristiano Ronaldo
Similarities:
Both of these stars are of course Portuguese, and have played over 100 times for their nation – where both have captained on the biggest stage, the World Cup. Like Figo once did in his illustrious career, Ronaldo plays for Spanish giants Real Madrid. Although Ronaldo is viewed more as a forward these days, he burst on to the scene as a winger, like Figo did, and lastly, both have worn the number seven jersey!
Marcel Desailly & Kurt Zouma
Similarities:
Over recent weeks, Chelsea’s 21-year-old defender has looked a player who could follow in his fellow countryman’s footsteps, and on the biggest stages. He is strong like Desailly was; he plays in defence for Chelsea, just like Desailly did. Zouma looks like he may have what it takes to also captain one day, as he is already showing maturity beyond his years.
Iker Casillas & David De Gea
Similarities:
With more to come from Manchester United’s goalkeeper, we’ve seen a lot if Iker-like tendencies from the young Spaniard. Of course, both players are from Madrid in Spain, and while De Gea has never played for Real, he has been heavily linked with them. If he is to move to the Spanish giants one day, he will without doubt take the goalkeeping duties for his country too.
Gerd Müller & Thomas Müller
Similarities:
Like Gerd Müller, Thomas Müller has followed in the legend’s footsteps by scoring a large amount of goals in Bayern Munich’s attack. Both forwards are German, and have represented the Bavarians, where Müller still plays. Both have represented Germany, and have scored 25 goals or more. Although Gerd’s record of goals is much more prolific, Thomas still has time to get closer to him!
Can you name any other modern-day players who resemble past-time greats? Let us know in the comments section below.
