kaka+ronaldinho=disarray

When I heard Ronaldinho (R80) being linked with Milan a couple of years ago, I was thrilled. Thrilled beyond belief. But this was in about 2006, where he was by far the best attacking player in the world. After mesmerizing Spain and Europe during the beginning of this decade, he fell from glory. And what a fall that was.
At the same time, Kaka (K22) emerged as one of the hottest talents, and gradually became the best player on the planet. He was expected to become the new idol of the club. He did, not disappointing many.

The problem arose when in the beggining of this season, the Milan management decided to pour out precious 18m euros over Ronaldinho. This Brazilian had turned into a demi god at Nou Camp, but after his fall, no one really wanted him there. So he packed his bags and travelled to the San Siro to join Milan. The big bellied, washed out, over the hill player was greeted by thousands at the stadium. I fathom thats a similar reception Christiano Ronaldo would get at the Bernebau, or not. All were happy, but for what, mind you? How much competition did we have to sign him? Which other top European club wanted to have anything to do with the Gaucho? The answer is none.

Kaka on the other hand took over from Rui Costa to become one of the most feared trequartista's in the game. I would have understood if Ronaldinho's transfer was for monetary and commercial reasons, but it seems it was for more. He is actually being played, and unfortunately at what cost? R80 is not the kind of player Milan needed. We had to purchase a top class target man, and a world class defender in the summer. What we do get is R80 and Senderos. R80's flair was never going to suit Milan, and I still dont think it does. I am a firm believer that stats sometimes can be misleading, and I believe that to be true when I read R80's for Milan this season. He has started 12 games, been used as a substitute 4 times, in which he has scored 9 goals and made 1 assist. Yes he is leading the goal scoring charts for the club. But he has contributed in no other way to the team. His game lasts for 5 minutes, and for the rest 85, he is simply waddling around.

Now lets look at Kaka's stats. He has started 15 games, been used as a sub 2 occasions, scoring 5 times and making 4 assists. Disappointing, right? Here is why. Because he is playing alongside that buck toothed wonder, R80. When Kaka plays with Ronaldinho, he has to play from a deeper position, and hence he has to do all the dirty work of cleaning up the play. This leaves Ronaldinho with more opportunities upfront, enabling him to score more. Ronaldinho barely moves except when he has the ball at his feet, as the pot belly is a bit irksome to carry. In the 7 games that both these superstars have played in, Milan have had 3 wins, 3 draws and one defeat. Thats 12/21 points earned, clearly showing compatibility issues between both these players. Well, that was expected, if Germany 2006 was anything to go by.

Looking deeper at Milan man Kaka, when he was employed as the man in the hole behind 2 strikers. Please note, R80 wasn't involved in these games. Kaka was employed in these 5 games, in a more advanced role, he scored 4 and created once. We won all the 5 games resulting in 15/15 points. Food for thought - Kaka is 26, and in his prime. Ronaldinho is 28, and recovering from the worst crash, in his career graph. Kaka is a world class player, Ronaldinho was a world class player. Kaka has more experience at this club, Ronaldinho has 6 months of the same.

Kaka when employed as the sole attacking midfielder can wreck havoc in opposition defenses. He is at his prime, and should be given his preference of role in the team. Sometimes I feel that both these players are forced upon the gaffer and he has no choice but to throw them on the field expecting some miracle to save the team. And fortunes haven't really let the coach down recently, or so it seems. Kaka also has taken his concerns to the press, and Ancelloti had to intervene to say the golden words - everything is ok. With misplaced priorities in the transfer market, this club is heading for doom. Results need to be more consistent, and as it proven, Kaka can gaurantee them, almost single handedly. He has done that in the past, and he continues to do it. He plays with the team and scores, something Ronaldinho at the moment cant do (or shall we say can never do). If results need to come by, then the rhythm shouldn't be disturbed, and the rhythm is best when Kaka is pulling the strings. Ance, use Ronaldinho as a sub, give emphasis to Kaka. Dont displease the latter as there are plenty out there willing to pay millions to make him wear their club colors. Ronaldinho can rake in the moolah, let Kaka rake in the goals.