Kevin De Bruyne, the talented Belgian footballer, faced a captivating question: if he had to choose between playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, who would he pick? De Bruyne, known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, didn’t shy away from sharing his preference. He intriguingly leaned towards Ronaldo, citing his status as one of the best players of his generation and suggesting that playing alongside the former Manchester United superstar would benefit him more.
De Bruyne’s reasoning for favoring Ronaldo over Messi centered on the idea that Ronaldo, in his eyes, embodied more of a “typical striker” role, which would complement De Bruyne’s own playmaking style. This insight into his footballing philosophy reveals De Bruyne’s preference for a strong, focal point in attack, a player who can convert his creative passes into goals. He drew a distinction between Messi’s playmaking tendencies and Ronaldo’s striker instincts, highlighting his own role as a playmaker who could thrive alongside a traditional striker.
De Bruyne’s admiration for Ronaldo’s qualities as a striker is evident. He emphasized the importance of having a player like Ronaldo, who can serve as the team’s primary goal scorer. This perspective was exemplified when De Bruyne played alongside Erling Haaland during the Norwegian’s debut season at Manchester City. Haaland’s remarkable 52-goal haul showcased the kind of partnership De Bruyne thrives in, where he can provide the ammunition for a prolific striker.
It’s important to acknowledge the incredible impact both Messi and Ronaldo have had on football for over 15 years. Their remarkable goal-scoring records, along with a staggering collection of 79 trophies and 12 Ballon d’Or awards between them, solidify their status as two of the greatest players in the history of the sport. De Bruyne’s choice is a testament to the unique qualities of these footballing legends.
