I feel this VVD vs Messi thing opens up a debate about the value of defenders compared to attackers.
Don't we generally value midfielders and attackers over defenders as if what defender do is easy and simplistic in comparison? Admittedly I would rather watch clips of Ronaldinho over clips of VVD but is someones attacking skills a measure of how good that that player is overall?
Another issue...Its clear there is a lack of world-class CBs in the world who can play the modern game as it is being played now, is it because being a decent CB is actually a more difficult discipline than it was say 20+ years ago and if so is that another reason why VVD is seen as extra uniquely special? I mean if VVD ws playing in the 70s, 80s or 90s he would have been in the good company of other world-class centre backs... but in todays game the high lines and athletism required, his ability to make it look easy is notably outstanding.
