Every year, the football world braces itself for the end of the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon d’Or duopoly, only to end up honouring one of them with the coveted award… again.
Despite their unprecedented dominance at the pinnacle of the game for the last decade, all good things must come to an end and one would imagine that we will finally see a new recipient of football’s highest individual prize in the next couple of years.
Neymar is the most touted to be the next first-time winner, after taking measures to distance himself from Messi, leaving Barcelona to elevate himself to greater heights and build his brand at Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the Brazilian will not win the award unchallenged, with the likes of Paulo Dybala and Antoine Griezmann staking their own claims as well.
Interestingly, the Argentine has been linked to Manchester United of late, while the Atletico Madrid star has been a long-term target.
Here’s a look at the two diminutive attackers. How would you rather have in your team?
The first thing that comes to mind when trying to describe the genius of Griezmann is his intelligence. The greatest compliment to that effect is the fact that no one is ever quite sure about where he plays or what his best position is.
He has an incredible knack to drop into pockets of space, drift wide in the most effective way and dart into the six-yard box or peel off at the top of the area at the opportune moment.
“You don’t even know what position he plays in any more. He would work as a midfielder if needed, he can complete passes like a second striker, he can play like a proper striker,” Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said of his talisman.
To add to that, the Frenchman has flawless technique, great acceleration and a low centre of gravity. It’s his prowess in the air as well that sets him apart from other small forwards.
With a magical left foot at his disposal, the 26-year-old scores at an impressive rate and could easily coast through on his attacking prowess but an ingrained work ethic always comes to the fore and Simeone has done well to nurture that.
CLUB APPEARANCES: 366
CLUB GOALS: 137
INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCES: 45
INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 17
Antoine Griezmann
Similar to Griezmann, Dybala is one of the most technically gifted players in Europe. His pace, agility and dribbling has naturally drawn comparisons with compatriot Messi.
Starting his career as an attacking midfielder, he’s since operated as a second striker or as a lone striker as well, both to good effect. His movement is one of his best attributes as is his intelligence which makes him a creative force to be reckoned with.
At only 23, he’s already becoming a prolific goalscorer, bagging 42 over the last two seasons with Juventus while he already has 12 goals in eight appearances this season.
“I call Dybala ‘Square R2’. That’s the combination you press on PlayStation to do a turn and shot. He always scores like that,” former team-mate Paul Pogba has claimed.
Despite being an accomplished dribbler, the Argentine is careful not to over do it, always finding the best results in simplicity, favouring quick, effective play rather than choosing to hold on to the ball for too long.
Like Griezmann, he possesses a lethal left foot and has a reputation for his ability from range. He’s not particularly dominant in the air though and has gone missing on occasion.
CLUB APPEARANCES: 233
CLUB GOALS: 92
INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCES: 10
INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 0
Paulo Dybala
Griezmann appeared to be on the verge of a move to Manchester United in the summer before Atletico’s transfer ban was upheld and he chose not to abandon the club while they were unable to replace him. With a €100 million buyout clause (only), it seems likely that United will finally get their man come next summer.
Meanwhile, Dybala has often been linked to Barcelona to partner and with and eventually take over from Messi. With Neymar leaving for PSG, that would seem like a prospect well worth considering although Real Madrid have lodged an interest as well. Curiously, there have been a few rumours linking him to United of late.
There’s little to choose between the two and you can’t really go wrong with either one. Both are incredibly alike in their styles of play and very effective. Griezmann is the more experienced, on the international stage in particular, but Dybala has won more trophies despite being three years his junior.
However, the Frenchman is perhaps the more likely to flourish under varying circumstances and in different leagues because of how adaptable he is. The 26-year-old is also the more physical of the two. Despite his slow start to the season compared to his counterpart, Griezmann can still be considered as the more prolific in front of goal as well.
There is a temptation to opt for the younger Dybala. In three years’ time, there’s no telling how good he could be. Griezmann is in his prime though and in this moment in time, he edges it, marginally.
WINNER: Antoine Griezmann
We want to know what you think though. Who would you choose? Griezmann or Dybala? Let us know in the comments section below.
