Who Kevin De Bruyne chooses for his perfect teammate? Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
De Bruyne Preference: Ronaldo as the Ideal Teammate
When asked whether he’d rather play with – Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne had no hesitation.
De Bruyne of Manchester City is one of the finest players in contemporary football history, although he is not on the same level as Ronaldo and Messi.
The Belgian midfielder has faced both iconic players in his career, but he explained why he prefers to play with one over the other.
It will not go down well with Manchester City fans, but the 33-year-old said that he would prefer to team up with Ronaldo since Messi may come in the way.
De Bruyne explained his choice by highlighting the differences in their playing styles. “I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker,” De Bruyne shared last year. “Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker.”
For De Bruyne, the presence of a focal point like Ronaldo or his current teammate Erling Haaland is crucial. The midfielder thrives when playing alongside a striker who can finish off the opportunities he creates.
This was evident last season when Haaland scored 52 goals in his debut campaign with City benefiting from De Bruyne’s precise passes.
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The End of an Era: Ronaldo and Messi’s Rivalry
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football for over 15 years winning a combined 79 trophies and 12 Ballon d’Or awards. Their rivalry was a defining aspect of football during this time with both players constantly pushing each other to new heights.
But, with neither player currently playing in Europe Ronaldo believes that their rivalry is a thing of the past.
“The rivalry is gone,” Ronaldo said during a press conference last year. “We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that’s the most important thing.”
Ronaldo added that while they may not be friends there is mutual respect between them. “I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other,” he stated.
As the football world continues to evolve, the legacy of Messi and Ronaldo remains intact, with De Bruyne’s preference for Ronaldo highlighting the unique qualities that have made both players legends of the game.