Who Is Most Important to Their Side: Arjen Robben or Lionel Messi?

[mooksie]

Arjen Robben and Lionel Messi have undoubtedly been two of the stars of the 2014 World Cup. But which of them is more important to their side’s hopes of competing for the trophy in the Maracana come June 13?

Both players strike similar fear into opposition defenses and have both found themselves double or triple marked at times during the competition. In terms of ultimate output, the pair are very similar. Per 90 minutes on the field, Robben has produced 0.56 goals and 0.19 assists for a total goal contribution of 0.75; Messi’s figures are slightly better at 0.79 goals and 0.20 assists for a total goal contribution of 0.99. Include the match-winning penalty Robben won against Mexico in the round of 16 as an assist and his overall goal contribution jumps to 0.94 per 90 minutes—pretty much on par with Messi. (I've included a chart because this isn't Statistics class)

When you look at Argentina and Messi, the team is well aware of his place on the team. “We know he is our main player, our captain, the best player in the world,” Mascherano said recently, as reported by Fox Sports. “Every time we recover the ball we try to pass to him as he is the best player we have in the team and he will score goals.” Indeed, Argentina coach Sabella has looked painfully short on alternative plans throughout the tournament.

In short, Messi is Argentina’s creative hub, whereas Robben is simply Netherlands’ most potent attacking threat.




source.

Comments

[rare-lj.livejournal.com]

It's sad how important Messi is for the Argentina team. They would fall apart if he could not play tomorrow.

[rare-lj.livejournal.com]

And apparently I'm gonna be at work for this game.

[mooksie (from livejournal.com)]

QUIT.

[rare-lj.livejournal.com]

I know, I should, they won't let us turn the tv on to watch the games!

[sintitulo.livejournal.com]

i'll be missing most of it, too! wish i could watch since i made a bet with my ex lol.

[funhouse.livejournal.com]

Messi >>>

[funhouse.livejournal.com]

Scrolling past I read it as Robin van Persie v Messi :X

[connorblond.livejournal.com]

Sabella said in an interview that he needs his team to play so Messi can shine. That really says it all.

[elizaberglund.livejournal.com]

flawless icon is flowless

[danielachan.livejournal.com]

Wait anyone heard something about RVP not playing?

[marsyke.livejournal.com]

He has a stomach bug, so he is doubtful but he can still make it if it doesn't get too bad.

[marsyke.livejournal.com]

So far I think that they're both equally important. If not for them, those teams wouldn't be in the semifinal.

[sintitulo.livejournal.com]

clearly messi. he's had a good world cup (compared to previous ones) bc this squad is designed around him. it shocks me how in most matches he's just waiting up there... he rarely does any defensive work. lol i say this as someone who likes him.

robben otoh has more of a 'team' - i don't see the squad depending on him to such an extent that argentina does on messi.

[funhouse.livejournal.com]

Who do you guys think is going to win?