The best player in the world

[schafer]

Carrick does have a better range of passes and what carrick loses in technical ability he gains in physical ability over pirlo.

He is faster, stronger and better in the air (not saying much).

He can also marshal a midfeild without protection from amrbosini and gattuso

I'm not sure why something like that last sentence is always brought up against Pirlo. If anything, it's a testament to his ability and influence, IMO, that both Italy and AC Milan see fit to give him that 'protection' in order to get the best out of him.

And I'm not sure if you intended, but the first part of your post makes it seem like you're saying that Carrick's physical ability makes him an equal or better player than Pirlo. I disagree with that, although I'm not sure if that's exactly what you were saying.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

The thing we need to remember is that while they both have the same fundamental role in their sides they go about it in a completely different way. Carrick is better at sitting and dictating the play from deeper while Pirlo, thanks to his natural attacking instinct, is much better at bringing the ball forward and operating in a more advanced position. I don't think it is wrong to claim that Carrick's overall passing is at the very least equal to Pirlo if not better. It's also clear that Carrick can operate on his own and is much more effective defensively than Pirlo but the opposite is true in that Pirlo is much better going forward. It all depends on what you want.

Although despite that my main complaint about Carrick is that he does not get forward as much as he could. Fortunately it is something Ferguson is trying to change and it looks to be working. We all know that Carrick can sit and pass very well but he also has the ability to get forward and shoot. His six goal return last season shows what he can do and I would hope that this continues and he becomes a more rounded midfielder. My other complaint is that he has a habit of holding onto the ball a fraction too long at times. The end result is an opponent catching his passing leg and the pass being compromised as a direct result. It doesn't happen that often but when it does it really irks me.

[mattteo]

Eh?? Carrick isn't better than Pirlo in any single ability. Period.

[mattteo]

Carrick is not fit to lace Pirlo's boots.

agreed

[mattteo]

Carrick does have a better range of passes

LOL

[xXGERXFUSSBALLXx]

pele was a beast, but i say Franz BECKENBAUER!!!!!! DER KAISER is the world's greatest soccer player!!!!!

[Teso Dos Bichos]

Eh?? Carrick isn't better than Pirlo in any single ability. Period.

This is where you publically display your Pirlo fanaticism.

[Bronaldo]

LOL

Thanks for the rather compelling argument. Your insightful discussion has clearly changed my opinion.

[Spartak]

This is where you publically display your Pirlo fanaticism.
I'm no Pirlo fanatic at all. In fact, I think the basis of this thread is a joke. But mattteo's statement isn't far off the mark. Carrick shouldn't even be mentioned in this debate. Essien, Cesc, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, and Cambiasso are all better than Carrick in similar roles.

[squidward123]

what is the basis of this thread?

[Spartak]

what is the basis of this thread?
I would hope you'd know since you created this thread.

Pirlo is nowhere near the best player in the world.

[jpick]

^^^ @squidward, pirlo being the best in the world

spartak probably wouldn't put him as top 5 in italy, he ain't the biggest pirlo fan, unlike myself. :o

hasn't xabi alonso been pretty poor for nearly 2 seasons, though, spartak?

carrick has outplayed him in that time frame, even though it must be said that there are other factors playing a role

edit: didn't see his reply above.

[squidward123]

I would hope you'd know since you created this thread.

Pirlo is nowhere near the best player in the world.

the basis of the thread is my reasoning behind it.

what problem is there with the basis?

[cr7torossi]

The problem with Carrick is his lack of self-belief. Given that, he is nowhere near Pirlo though when he is full of confidence(which happens pretty rarely), games like 7-1 and 4-0 happen.

[Moishe]

The problem with Carrick is his lack of self-belief. Given that, he is nowhere near Pirlo though when he is full of confidence(which happens pretty rarely), games like 7-1 and 4-0 happen.

I agree with you on the Carrick self-belief issue. More than ever due to Tevez I've been watching more ManU and the matches in which Carrick is grooving he spews self-confidence and in others (not always bad showings) he seems a bit aloof. Quality player though and could be even better. That said Pirlo by virtue of attacking prowess is better than an all around Carrick. Just my opinion and I'd gladly have a Carrick in my midfield.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

I'm no Pirlo fanatic at all. In fact, I think the basis of this thread is a joke. But mattteo's statement isn't far off the mark. Carrick shouldn't even be mentioned in this debate. Essien, Cesc, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, and Cambiasso are all better than Carrick in similar roles.

None of those players play a similar role to Carrick. The closest is Xabi Alonso, who has been injured and playing poorly for quite sometime.

[Spartak]

None of those players play a similar role to Carrick. The closest is Xabi Alonso, who has been injured and playing poorly for quite sometime.
They are all central midfielders, which is good enough for a comparison, imo. They all have different strengths and weaknesses than Carrick but all would start over Carrick if they moved to ManU.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

You clearly specified 'similar' roles. It is good to see you know accept that you were incorrect in that statement. Since we are now discussing central midfielders in general then the only players you mentioned who have a chance of starting over Carrick would be Essien, Iniesta or Cambiasso. Even then it depends on the composition of the midfield and the rest of the side, as none could replace what Carrick brings.