Return of the Conquistadors?

Ronaldo. I can distinctly remember people lambasting me for referring to Cristiano Ronaldo simply by his last name back in the mid-to-late '90s. The main reason I was served with such vitriol was because there was "no way" Cristiano Ronaldo would overshadow Brazil's Ronaldo. In fairness, the man has won the FIFA Player of the Year award three times. That said, after his very own stellar performance in the '98 World Cup, we saw the young CR emerge as a global force for football. Now the question that has hung like a blade over Cristiano Ronaldo's neck for the duration of his career is as such - Is he good enough?

Good enough?

The very question seems like a slap in Cristiano's face. He is a prolific goal scorer, to be sure. He is a magnificent winger and an incredible talent. But let us not forget that he is beset by 10 other men on the pitch. In 3 1/2 years at Real Madrid, CR has scored an incredible 1.09 goals per appearance. Compare that to Ronaldo's career - in which his goals never outnumbered his appearances - and we see the reason for this article: Ronaldo does not get to keep his name - rather it has been co-opted by his Portuguese name-sake; and for good reason. If CR were gifted the national team that Ronaldo had in Brazil, the point would be moot because CR would already have won a World Cup. Therefore, the question is how comfortable the Portuguese will find their prior colony. Will it be something of a homecoming for the only other team besides Brazil that speaks Portuguese?

You bet.

Without a doubt, the Portugal side will be firing on all cylinders come the Summer. Don't be surprised if, for at least a month, Brazil forgets about its own Ronaldo.

Sure Would...

So Tottenham named Tim Sherwood their manager. Do you think it was because they dismissed AVB so unceremoniously in the dying weeks before the January window? Or is it more likely because Levy has sullied himself and all credibility as a GM? If I were a manager on the lookout for a new post, I would avoid Tottenham like the plague.

AVB apparently had much more locker room clout than previously intimated by the higher ups and his win percentage at Spurs was one of the best in their post WWII history. Now consider that two of Spurs' best players in about as many years have left for Catalan pastures. Add further that their replacements - let's be honest, when you can replace one player with six for the same price, you're bound to be disappointed with each replacement - have yet to fully find their comfort at White Hart Lane, and you have a sum that equates to a lot more patience required on Levy's part.

Avoid Tottenham like the plague - Sure would.

World Cup Pending: Injuries Abound

Today we bore witness to the most predictable of eventualities: Robin Van Persie is out for month due to a thigh strain. There are several reasons why this news should come as no surprise. Conspicuously, however, we find ourselves approximately half a year from the World Cup. Presumably, RVP would like to show well at the World Cup. Further presumable is the fact that, in order to actually show well and perform, he will need to be fit. Now, as I mentioned, it is no surprise that RVP is injured once again. As a matter of fact, the delicate Dutchman has been plagued throughout his career by similar injuries. More than that, his run-ins with toe and groin pain this season have left Moyes woefully dependent on a faltering Welbeck. So, of course, in keeping with continuity, RVP will again be omitted from United's lineup. However, this time it smells of something worse than just an injury.

I cannot help but refer back to the point that we are approaching the World Cup. The incentive to remain healthy is paramount for footballers with impending national team commitments. RVP is one such footballer and, amid rumors of his unsettled footing at United, an eyebrow should raise this season each time a light knock translates into missed time on the pitch.