Like his friend and national team mate Lionel Messi did, Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero created his own 2008 dream team which uefa.com released. The difference this time is that Cristiano Ronaldo is effectively part of his chosen squad.

The Argentine forward spoke about Ronaldo – whom Messi did not even mentioned in his interview with uefa.com last time – describing him as an ‘exceptional player’.

The prolific Portuguese goal scorer who hit an amazing number of 42 goals last season was consequently included in Aguero’s Best XI, with the ‘inexhaustible’ and ‘evergreen’ Alessandro Del Piero and the ‘complete striker’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic filling the line upfront.

The Swedish International was described by Aguero as the world’s best player next to Cristiano Ronaldo. This comment from the 21 year old Argentine forward somehow explained his sincere appreciations towards the crowned European and Ballon d’Or winner, unlike his good friend Leo Messi who ‘dared’ to ignore Ronaldo’s remarkable form throughout last season.

Whereas Aguero’s 2008 dream team choice will certainly provoke no serious argument between the public, Messi’s Best XI minus Ronaldo has already created much controversy.
The Blaugrana number 10 and Fifa World Player of the Year contender received criticism from some football fans who now describe him as a person who tries to bring someone down to lift himself up.

The so-called ‘Messiah’ has so far developed an image of himself that is far from being detestable on the contrary of Cristiano Ronaldo who is widely regarded as a ‘bad boy’ in the world of soccer. However, the positive perception of Messi’s personality around the world could begin to change quicker than one may think.

With the Fifa Player of the Year award ceremony taking place in less than three days, it seems like selfishness, rivalry and perhaps hatred, has drawn a strong barrier between Ronaldo and Messi who finished second best behind the Portuguese at several occasions in 2008.

The Manchester United Star winger is the favourite to win next week’s grand individual honour, and Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero fully welcomes the crowning of the Portuguese player.

Aguero’s 2008 Best XI: Goalkeeper: Peter Cech (Chelsea) / Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Patrice Evra (Manchester United)/ Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Ribery (Bayern Munich) / Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Zlatan Ibrahimovich (Inter Milan) / Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)

Written by: Angela Asante