Lionel Messi better than Cristiano Ronaldo in 8 of 13 aspects
Lionel Messi seems unstoppable in his pursuit of his fifth Ballon d'Or, and when you compare his stats with current holder Cristiano Ronaldo's, they don't look good for the Portuguese.
According to a study by Pro Soccer Development, who provide sophisticated analysis of footballers, Messi is better in eight of 13 aspects. Two they are equal in, and only in three categories is Ronaldo better.
The statistics reflect that the Argentine scores a goal per game played, while Madrid's man only 0.7 goals per game. Ronaldo is better at headers, with 0.5 per game compared to Messi's 0.2.
Ronaldo is almost certain to win the Pichichi and European Golden Boot, although Messi would be level with him on 36, if penalties were not counted.
Ronaldo is better, statistically, at crossing and dribbling while sprinting successfully. Bar these categories, Messi is better without question.
Barcelona's No 10 wins on shots, normal dribbles, short passes, long passes, first touch - showing he is a complete player that can play as a false nine or further back on the pitch.
Finally, the study also picked the positions that the players play best in. It says Messi is better as a false nine, but also is excellent on both wings, while Ronaldo is best as an out-and-out centre forward.
