before i begin explaining, let me preface: im talkin best all around, out of context backliner in the world (i say out of context because removing medals won with club and country levels the field somewhat for the younger players and those from nations in the world's second tier, ie the ones who are good but never win (not unlike romania) NOW, CC is a natural left back that has been moved inside because he is so prenaturally good (and id suggest that AJAX are in a position to have their opinion on young talent respected) - he was captain of both AJAX and romania at 21, clarifying his leadership tendencies and qualities - he is cleverly adroit with outlet passing, shooting, marking and winning the ball in the air - CC has the ideal size/speed combo and plays better against the big opponents in the tough situations, yet maintains a consistantly high level of performance - hes scored in a WC, takes free kicks and penalties expertly and not only starts the attack, but often sparks it - beyond making a regular ghost out of the likes of henry, van hooijdonk, anderson, and carew, CC also has that bit of unpredictability in that sometimes he will foul hard enough to earn a red card (less and less, but once the rep is established... kinda like a wild pitcher) - he has marshalled AJAX into chase position in the eredivisie and nearly to the quarters of the CL largely surrounded by teenage newbies (and i dont mean 1 or 2... how 'bout van damme, de jong, sneijder, seedorf and pienaar at any given time - and he defends, yes, he opens the attack, to be sure, but more than that he dictates the two flow of a match - he is reigning eredivisie and romania POY - fact is the kid is so smart and skilled, i wouldnt mind his moving to CattackM if we badly needed a goal - unfortunately, hell soon move on and win a bagful of silver with real, man u, arsenal, barca, milan or inter and my point will be proven, but...... is he the best defender in the world RIGHT NOW and please dont blast me if you havent watched him - seeing is as they say believing also throw in where youd prefer he end up after the 2003/2004 campaign (wishful winking)
i do not think he is the best in the world right now, he should be there soon if all follows like it has so far. i also hope he doesn't leave until after the 03/04 season, but we'll see. i'm guessing he is going to end up somewhere in Spain. I really hope not at Real but they are the favorites. I'd like to see him at barca.
i supposed i could have included where id like to see him end up 1-arsenal 2-ac milan 3- bayern (dont know if theyve shown interest, but they should) 4- barca
arsenal has sol and rio who are both young aren't they? milan has nesta and maldini right? bayern...i dont even wanna think about him going to Germany. barca would be cool. Real unfortunately looks the most likely though.
thats just wrong - youre not gettin him!! what are you like a double-op? a hypothetical question wanderer... AJAX v. real in the CL final - who are you cheering for?
I think that Alessandro Nesta is currently the best defender in the world. Chivu is great, but Nesta is better. I would love to see Chivu go to Milan. Maldini's career is nearing its end and Chivu would be the perfect replacement.
I'd go for Ajax because their squad is definitely not as high priced as Real's....plus how long has it been since Ajax's last European Cup? '95? C'mon, I can support an American team, a Dutch one and a Spanish one can't I? I will have to swear allegiance if they ever face off against each other I realize--I'd prefer that it not come down to Ajax or Real in the final.
by the way, CC is in the central defender poll - if you havent voted yet check it out in the beautiful game boards (also wingback and keeper polls are up)