For me it’s even just on natural ability with the ball at his feet from what i’ve seen, in Ronaldinho was the 2nd to Messi imo. He had too much fun playing football, nothing wrong with that given he won it all, but i’d love to have seen his career trajectory if he had it like CR7 between the ears.
Gerrard didn’t play for, nor carry a shit team between 2004-07. They were the 2nd toughest team to break down in that period (possible in Europe except MAYBE Milan) behind possibly the best defensive team of the prem era in Chelsea.
Stats should NOT be the first port of call when trying to compare players, especially attacking players.
Mousa Dembele was one of the best central midfielders to ever play in the prem, he just didn’t have the longevity or success of others.
Chelsea’s 15 goals conceded season is less likely to be broken than a quadruple, unbeaten season or another 100 pointer.
Van Dijk is a level above Vidic.
Mane at his best was better than Salah. In periods he was genuinely unplayable- more so than Salah.
Putting myself in defenders shoes, Drogba at his best would have been the single most difficult striker to defend against in the history of the prem.
The ballon d’Or gets FAR too much attention.
Ronaldinho was a bigger “what if” than R9.
His goal at Stamford bridge against Liverpool when he spun Carra(?) and left foot half volley past Reina, you can’t really do anything against that as a defender