Haaland vs. Messi vs. De Bruyne: The Unconvincing Reason Messi Will Win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award – It's Not What You Think
Three outstanding players have been nominated for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year 2022-23: Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi. Here's a deep dive into their accomplishments, and why I think that Messi will take the award in the end - perhaps for the wrong reasons.
The Nomination and Voting Process
According to UEFA, their technical study group assessed players' performances across the 2022/23 season, considering both club and international displays. This analysis led to a candidates shortlist, upon which coaches from UEFA leagues, national teams, and select European Sports Media journalists cast their votes. Notably, coaches were barred from voting for players from their respective teams.
Why Messi could win
Lionel Messi enjoyed a commendable season with PSG, bagging his second Ligue 1 title. However, his stellar display during the FIFA World Cup truly propelled his nomination. Messi orchestrated Argentina's first World Cup triumph in 36 years, netting seven goals and winning the Golden Ball. He also scored twice in the World Cup final and delivered the opening goal in the penalty shootout. With this monumental achievement, Messi's stake for the award is undoubtedly strong.
Season Highlights
Accolades: World Cup winner, Golden Ball recipient, Ligue 1 champion.
UEFA Champions League: 7 appearances, 4 goals, 4 assists, and a Player of the Match recognition.
Domestic League: 32 matches, 16 goals, 16 assists.
Why Haaland Could Win
Erling Haaland's debut season at Manchester City was nothing short of electrifying. Setting new standards, Haaland shattered the record for most goals in a Premier League season with 36 strikes. Additionally, he became the youngest player to tally 35 Champions League goals, ending the season as the top scorer with 12 goals—four ahead of runner-up Mohamed Salah.
Season Highlights
Achievements: UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup titles.
UEFA Champions League: 11 matches, 12 goals, and a Player of the Match honor.
Domestic League: 37 matches, 36 goals, and 8 assists.
Why De Bruyne Could Win
Kevin De Bruyne's brilliance peaked this season. With a league-leading 16 assists in the Premier League and an impressive tally in the Champions League, De Bruyne's game vision stood unmatched. His masterclass against giants like Real Madrid, particularly his remarkable long-range goal in the away tie and direct involvement in two goals during the home leg, fortified City's journey to the final.
Season Highlights
Honors: UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup titles.
UEFA Champions League: 10 matches, 2 goals, 7 assists, and four Player of the Match awards.
Domestic League: 32 matches, 7 goals, and 16 assists.
The Reasons Messi Will Actually Win
Firstly, Messi is widely regarded by many as the "Greatest of All Time". This reputation is likely to garner him significant support from his established fanbase.
Secondly, even though both Haaland and De Bruyne had outstanding seasons with Manchester City, Messi's World Cup triumph, considered by many as the pinnacle of football achievements, elevates his status this year.
Lastly - perhaps both the determining factor and most unconvincing reason of all - is that split votes will likely to benefit Messi. Despite the exemplary seasons of both De Bruyne and Haaland, their teammate status will likely lead to split votes among themselves. This division is likely to favor Messi, making it challenging for either Haaland or De Bruyne to secure a majority. Even if Messi deserves the trophy in his own right - the split votes will be the actual dealbreaker.
In conclusion, all three players have undeniably displayed immense talent. However, Messi, with his legacy, World Cup win, and potential vote divisions, emerges as a leading contender for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year title. This year in football was truly exceptional, and it's a privilege to witness such prowess in a single era.
What do you think? Who will win the award?
You may also like:
Dembele, Coutinho, and Griezmann: The True Legacy of Neymar's Departure
Comparing Dembele's 6-Year Stint at Barcelona versus One Messi Season is Beyond Belief
Dembele's Dollars: Shocking Cost-Performance Ratio at Barcelona
Gone Without a Trace: Dembele's Departure Set to Leave No Void at Barca
FC Barcelona sign Gundogan from Manchester City - is it a win for Barcelona?
