Ronaldo named in Top 10

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as one of the top ten forwards in football right now by ESPN FC. Ronaldo was named behind his La Liga archrival Lionel Messi. Brazilian skipper Neymar placed third on the list that considered the most lethal forwards in the world now.

In football these days, positional classification is difficult as coaches like players that are versatile to switch as the occasions demand.

However, the list by ESPN FC considered the ten best Goalkeepers, Right Backs, Centre Backs, Left Backs, Central Midfielders, Attacking Midfielders, Wingers, Forwards, Strikers, and Managers.

WHilst Messi got the better of Ronaldo in this award, it remains to be seen whether he'll get the better of Ronaldo in La Liga. Whilst Real Madrid have a clear 6 point gap between them and second placed Barcelona, the Clasico game this weekend will give Messi and co a chance to cut the margin to 3 points. The betting odds for El Casico seem to suggest that Barcelona will win it (they are at home after all) but if Ronaldo and his teammates managed to get all three points they would be a ridiculous 9 points clear!

Messi sat atop the forwards’ top ten list. The Argentine has won eight league titles with Barcelona. He has taken his country to finals though he is yet to win a major trophy. The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers also attest to his importance in the national team set-up. Argentina have won nine out of maximum 12 points when Messi played but have struggled to get seven out of 21 points in his absence.

Ronaldo enjoyed one of his finest moment as a footballer last year when he scored the decisive penalty kick that won the Champions League for his club, and led his country to their first major trophy in a long time when they clinched Euro 2016 in France this summer. His records remain impressive over the years.

Barcelona’s hope when Messi retires, Neymar is not quite at the level of both top stars but he has the potential to reach there. He was the force behind Brazil getting their first-ever Olympic Gold medal after years of elusion. The player has been sterling for Barcelona as well.

Welshman Gareth Bale placed fourth, Alexis Sanchez came next – despite Arsenal converting him to a central forward this term. Arjen Robben, Eden Hazard, Douglas Costa, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino complete the top ten list respectively, despite many seeing some players on the list as wingers.