Some Quality Teamsmanship

"Power Forehand Winner"

The wide world of Tennis has given TK another reason, other than Maria Sharapova,  to love the only sport that changes its surface for every major competition.  Just imagine if footy was played on grass in Germany ’06, Dirt in South Africa this year, the 37th Parallel in Korea/Japan back in 2002, sand for Brazil 2014, and Ice during Sweeden ’58!  Now, for a fantasy that has a firmer grip in reality, World No.1 and No.2 Raphael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have joined forces to compete  as a doubles pair in this week’s ATP tournament in Toronto, Canada.  Which got me thinking…what if this was possible in football?  Hence, the top three Ballon d’Or winners and runner-ups over the last ten years that never were, but would have been incredibly tantalizing to witness.

3. Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo.

The fact that these two have finished in the top two in each of the last two years shows how powerful a combination they would be.  Ronaldo’s electric speed and power coupled with Messi’s magnetic connection to the ball and quick shot-release would make any defense tremble.  Unfortunately, they play on opposite sides of the great La Liga divide, so it is highly unlikely these two will ever line up together, but you never know…

2. Ronaldinho and Frank Lampard

After leading Barcelona and Chelsea, respectively, to league titles in 2005, these midfielders were top of their class. Watching Ronaldinho cut through defenses with Joga Bonita while Lampard shreds through opposing sides by dishing out passes with pinpoint accuracy (as well as scoring a penalty or two), would make this midfield combination any managers dream.

1. Pavel Nedved and Thierry Henry

The Czech Fury, as Nedved is known in Italy, led Juventus to the final of the Champions League in 2003 as well as bringing home the Scudetto that same year.  All Thierry Henry did was score 39 goals in all competitions as a part of the Arsenal side that didn’t lose a single domestic match, becoming The Invincibles.  Both of these football legends have an uncanny ability to score goals from distance, as well as provide great service to players in the box, which would have made watching them a real treat since a goal could come at any time. Oh to be an over sized, goal-poaching forward on that side! Goalies the world over are surely grateful that Juventus sold Henry before Nedved arrived, but the well-supported club from Torino robbed us of witnessing our most delectable combo that never was.