This is often brought up when discussing Messi and Ronaldo and whether they’re great captains. Particularly Messi, I find. The very notion of him being a great captain or leader is almost laughable to some. I often find their views on what makes a great captain very myopic, as if there’s only one aspect to it. Keane is almost the prototypical example of what makes a great captain in many ways, in that he made his feelings known to those around him, and as a result, we could all see his anger if someone wasn’t living up to his high exceptions. Ramos is also another one, I guess.
But that’s just ONE aspect of it. At least in my opinion. Keane himself would say that the reason why he thinks many looked at him as being a great captain was because of the way he trained and played, not how much he shouted at someone or gave a rousing speech before a match. And if we look at captaincy through that lens, then surely there are no better leaders and captains out there than Ronaldo and Messi. If you step out on the pitch with Messi or Ronaldo, the respect and admiration you have for those two would surely inspire you to be at your best. That’s leadership, surely?
But that’s just ONE aspect of it. At least in my opinion. Keane himself would say that the reason why he thinks many looked at him as being a great captain was because of the way he trained and played, not how much he shouted at someone or gave a rousing speech before a match. And if we look at captaincy through that lens, then surely there are no better leaders and captains out there than Ronaldo and Messi. If you step out on the pitch with Messi or Ronaldo, the respect and admiration you have for those two would surely inspire you to be at your best. That’s leadership, surely?