Former Argentina and Manchester United playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron believes 2013 Fifa Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will continue to thrust forward as expected and emulate Argentine legend Diego Maradona.
Veron, working as a commentator for Audio Canal 1, was present at the Main Press Center of the Maracana Stadium on Sunday and while he was there, we, the reporters made the most of it by asking his thoughts regarding the Albicelestes prodigy and their chances of winning the World Cup.
“Messi has a door open in front of him. He is the center of Argentina and all the hopes and expectations surround him,” said Veron who is currently working as the director of the Youth Academy of his former club Estudiantes.
“Coach Sabella’s plan also depends on him, now he (Messi) has to prove that he is the best. To reach the height of Maradona he requires a World Cup and he has the ability. I have heard a lot about Sabella’s formation but he is a versatile coach and prefers versatility,” said Veron, who at 39 still looks fit enough to put in a sliding challenge.
However, Veron also said holding on to the tempo will be crucial in this tournament. He was very surprised how the Spaniards were crushed by the Dutch and said, “I never even imagined it.”
“Spain started well but could not hold the tempo, Netherlands played in an incredible mode. It’s important to maintain the consistency in the World Cup. It’s a seven match tournament and the team which keeps the tempo on, will end up wining the trophy,” said Veron.
Veron’s professional career ended where he started from, at the La Plata club, while he played for European giants like Inter Milan, Lazio, Chelsea and Manchester United as a playmaker. He continues to play for local amateur side Brandsen.
