Football is often referred to as the ‘beautiful game’ for a very good reason
If played well, football is simply unbeatable, especially when a player has the skill to terrorize defences, glide across the pitch and leave goalkeepers helpless, or act as a nonchalant wizard when it comes to playing well.
There is no question that any game is a team game, but sometimes the outcome of a game can often hinge on the performance of an individual who, in the interest of their team, has taken an inferior opponent by the scruff of the neck and rallied them to victory.
That being said, we decided to rank some of the greatest individual performances that have ever taken place.
Gareth Bale, Michael Owen, Ronaldinho, and Petr Cech all went above and beyond to help their respective teams achieve glory.
1. The Year 1999 match between Roy Keane and Juventus
Manchester United’s night in Barcelona ranks among the most glorious occasions in the history of the club. Yet it never would have happened without Roy Keane.
Keane, who was already selected for the final, turned up and then some when United faced Juventus in the semi-finals.
It was his comprehensive dominance over players like Zidane, Davids, and Deschamps that enabled United to complete their incredible comeback.
2.The Year 2001 match between Michael Owen and Germany
One of the most memorable moments in modern England’s history was Michael Owen’s victory over Germany in the early 2000s.
Owen rallied to score a hat trick as England captured a convincing 5-1 victory in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
3.The Year 2010 match between Dimitar Berbatov vs Liverpool
One of the best strikers at Old Trafford is often overlooked, and this is unfortunately not unheard of. Aside from his penchant for the outrageous, Dimitar Berbatov possessed an angelic touch that made him capable of doing the impossible.
It wasn’t the easiest performance for The Manchester United player as he tore apart the hapless Liverpool with an outstanding performance in 2010.
4.The Year 2001 match between Mark Viduka vs Liverpool
The Leeds United side at the turn of the millennium was incredibly dangerous, especially with Australian Mark Viduka leading the charge.
Four Viduka goals helped complete what has been dubbed one of the greatest Premier League comebacks in history.
5.The Year 2003 match between Ronaldo vs Manchester United
In terms of Ronaldo’s performance throughout his career, would it be too bold of us to declare this his best?
I believe that the fact the Manchester United fans have given the player a stunning standing ovation following his hat-trick says everything that has been said about him.
6.The Year 2011 match between Lionel Messi vs Arsenal
As Niklas Bendtner’s early goal was cancelled out by Lionel Messi, the Barcelona forward tore off the Londoners’ heads and put the game completely out of reach.
There was no chance for Manuel Almunia.
7.The Year 2009 match between Xavi vs Real Madrid
Barcelona roared to a 6-2 El Clasico mauling on the back of Xavi’s four assists. Referees noted that the ball seemed to stick to Xavi’s feet like glue all night long.
This becomes even more impressive when you remember that Cannavaro was part of the Madrid defence.
8.The Year 2006 match between Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil
It’s hard to overstate the impact Zinedine Zidane had on the 2006 World Cup quarter-final when he played like he was playing on another planet.
There have never been strings pulled like Zizou’s on that memorable night in Germany when he sent Brazilian opponents all over the place on a night the French superstar would never forget.
Thierry Henry’s crucial goal was assisted by him as well.
9.The Year 2006 match between Fabio Cannavaro vs Germany
One of the most romantic stories in football is the love story between Italy and defending.
With Fabio Cannavaro, Italy had found its leading man, especially when he rose to the occasion by helping his country reach the 2006 World Cup final by beating tournament hosts, Germany.
10.The Year 2019 Match between Cristiano Ronaldo vs Atletico Madrid
Respect the beast at all costs.
Ronaldo blew the 2-0 first-leg advantage Ronaldo’s side had over Juve by nearly four goals with a stunning hat-trick in the second leg that saw Juve advance to the next round.
Simeone learned this lesson the hard way and was left reeling from his disappointment following that game.
Final Verdict
If played well, football is simply unbeatable, especially when a player has the skill to terrorize defences or leave goalkeepers helpless.
Sometimes the outcome of a game can hinge on the performance of an individual who has taken an inferior opponent by the scruff of the neck and rallied them to victory.
Read more – Juan Mata’s emotional farewell to Manchester United
