Louis van Gaal: Cristiano Ronaldo “thinks more about the team” than Lionel Messi

Coach icon Louis van Gaal sees the Portuguese at an advantage in one decisive detail in the long-term comparison between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “Messi is a star. Ronaldo too. But he thinks more of the team. What he does at 36 is incredible, hats off,” said van Gaal in an interview with the French newspaper The team.

The future at club level is currently uncertain for both superstars. Messi has been without a club since July 1, his regular club FC Barcelona are doing everything they can to offer the Argentine a new contract. The Catalans want to part with various players, if necessary free of charge. Ronaldo still has a contract with Juventus Turin, but the 36-year-old was also considered a possible sales candidate by the old lady.

Van Gaal: Mbappe and Neymar are not team players

France superstar Kylian Mbappe is considered a possible candidate who could follow in the footsteps of the two exceptional players in a few years. The 22-year-old is also a top player in van Gaal’s eyes, but still with a few flaws – as is Brazil’s star player Neymar.

“Imagine you’re training Mbappe. It’s complicated. It’s a challenge. He’s a fantastic player physically and technically,” said the 69-year-old: “But tactically he’s not yet at the top level. When you dribble and loses the ball, and he does that often, does he play for the team? Does he show modesty? Does he see the impact on his teammates? Do you think Neymar is playing for the team? “

Mbappe had recently been criticized after a relatively weak European Championship, in the round of 16 the Frenchman missed the decisive penalty on penalties against Switzerland.