On-form Premier League star has a unique approach to the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo.
Bournemouth midfielder Justin Kluivert gave a balanced viewpoint concerning the age-old debate that pits Lionel Messi against Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of Greatest of All Time.
The 25-year-old is the son of legendary former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert. His birth and the first four years of his life coincided with his father's time as a Blaugrana; hence, it would have been understandable had he unequivocally backed Messi, another Barcelona legend, in the debate.
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However, Justin, who is one of the form players in the Premier League at the moment, with five goals in the last three games, including a hat trick against Newcastle, gave a considered response.
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What Kluivert said
Speaking on the Footy Culture podcast, the former AS Roma star was asked to name his football idol growing up, and he immediately named Messi.
However, following a brief moment of reevaluating the question, he answered thusly: “If you say the best player, then Lionel Messi. But if you asked my idol, that I wanted to be like growing up, then Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Kluivert provides a unique perspective that could bridge the divide, as, while he admits to Messi's unassailable talents, he also credits Ronaldo for having many qualities worthy of emulation.