Why Kaka needs to hit the ground running
There is little doubt that Ricardo Kaka was head and shoulders, the best player in the world in 2007. His darting runs, juicy through balls and playmaking were a treat to watch. Rossoneri fans loved him dearly and he loved them back.
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi did agree that he paid a measly 8.5 million Euros for him in the summer of 2003. “I have paid peanuts for a player of Kaka’s ability”, boasted the president upon unveiling the youngster. And he was right. Kaka was initially
thought to be a backup player for the ageing legend, Manuel Rui Costa. His performances in a handful of appearances were so good that Carlo Ancelotti benched the veteran in favour of his young prodigy.
Kaka took his chance with both hands. Conquering pitches across the peninsula with his blistering pace and eye for goal. He often left his best performances for the continental stage. He was unbeatable in 2005 edition of the Champions League, guiding his
team to the final where Milan made a stunning start racing to a 3-0 lead by half time. Kaka was instrumental in his playmaking role. His first half performance was so good that Liverpool FC legend Steven Gerrard wrote in his biography, “I have come across
many great midfielders but I have managed to keep my own against them. Kaka however was so good; I was left chasing his shadows the entire evening”. When such words of praise come from a legend like Gerrard, you know Kaka has something special. The night however,
was a huge heartbreak for the Milan giants as they lost the final on penalties after conceding three goals in the space of six second half minutes.
Kaka had his revenge in 2007. He was the fulcrum of Milan’s ageing squad and scored ten goals to earn the golden boot in the competition. Kaka won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in the same year. The Real Madrid hierarchy had always
been admirers of this Brazilian’s abilities.
For all the sentiments, his transfer to Real Madrid was inevitable. After rejecting a mega money move to Manchester City in the January of 2009, Kaka made his move to the White house the following summer in a deal worth 68.5 million Euros. Much was expected
of the team as another superstar in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Brazilian to form a fantasy team. Kaka failed to discover the form that had made him such a household name. His struggles with recurring knee injuries got worse as he finished the
season with eight goals in 25 appearances. His World Cup campaign wasn’t up to the mark either as his knee just refused to get better.
Real Madrid on the other hand signed the sensation that is Mesut Ozil. The young German playmaker forward is technically as good as the former Rossoneri player. He is just 21 and with time he will only get better. His passing and quick bursts of pace reminds
one of Kaka in full flow. His intelligence is underlined by how well he anticipates the situations. Not just Ozil, Real Madrid has another sensation in the shape of Sergio Canales. The Racing Santander youth product is a tremendous prospect at a young age
of 19. He impressed Jose Mourinho so much that he has recalled from his loan spell at his parent club.
When Kaka returns to training after his knee surgery, he will find both youngsters gunning for his position. Ozil in particular has been impressive since his debut. His performance against Real Mallorca was encouraging but he was back to his best against
Ajax Amsterdam last night. He was a creative force in the middle of the park with his quick bursts, neat tricks and flicks and intelligent through balls. More worryingly for Kaka, he is already becoming a fan favourite. Kaka, not being a Mourinho signing,
might find it difficult in adjust with little time on his hands. Mourinho will look to Ozil to replace the Brazilian in the central playmaking role. Kaka needs to make his season debut in top gear if he is to make a first team place for himself
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