Soccer decade that was: Anfield theatre, Lionel Messi and VAR

Messi hardly dives, rarely complains, is committed to the team, and exudes class off the field too.

Argentinian Lionel Messi is comfortably the best player of his generation. Picture: Getty Images

Match of the decade

Liverpool 4, Barcelona 0, Anfield, May 7, 2019

Divock Origi struck early, the noise grew and Liverpool pressed the life out of Barcelona. Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice early in the second half before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick thinking at a corner, delivering the ball as Barcelona set themselves, allowed Origi to complete a miraculous comeback in front of a delirious Kop.

It was breathless theatre, pure adrenaline, total Liverpool, a team, management and support in complete harmony. Everybody played their part whether it was Sadio Mane running Barcelona to distraction or Jurgen Klopp being the pulsating emotional source on the touchline to the fans’ unstinting noise and belief.

Liverpool rolled towards a sixth European Cup with defeat of Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Madrid, but nothing could match the magic and majesty of their rout of Lionel Messi and company in that unforgettable semi-final, second leg.

Player of the decade

It would be good to hail the impact of Raheem Sterling on and off the field, the elegant longevity of David Silva, the leadership and role-model qualities of Vincent Kompany, the hunger of Jordan Henderson, the style of Eden Hazard, and the sleek goal machine that is Cristiano Ronaldo, but it has to be Messi.

We live in the age of the phenomenal little Argentine with his ability to weave through midfield and defences, his strength, physical and mental, to ride brutal challenges, and his eye for goal.

Messi is still not quite in the class of his compatriot Diego Maradona (watch the videos, see the tackles, how he lifts capable but not stellar teammates), and not with international impact, but the 32-year-old’s return of 565 goals in 529 games for Barcelona is off the scale. Messi hardly dives, rarely complains, is committed to the team and exudes class off the field too. Nobody has graced the decade more than Messi.

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Most significant change

It would be easy to herald Manchester City’s broad influence under Pep Guardiola, enlightening the English, educating Regina, encouraging bold building from the back.

It would be so nice simply to laud Gareth Southgate for making England’s inhibited players express themselves on and off the field, showing everyone that football is more than a game, that it can try to shape society with debates about racism, mental health and homelessness.

From Anfield to Doha, Liverpool’s tactics under Klopp, their global swarming that sweeps opponents off the park, sets a new benchmark in intensity.

But, love it or loathe it, VAR is the most significant development of the decade. It is needed, helping out referees in a sport of speed and simulation, and in an age of technology, but is still inadequately administered by a collection of officials that lacks the self-belief and experience of previous generations. When the balance on interference is right, when the laws are judiciously enacted without destroying the flow and joy of the game, when fans are properly informed, VAR may be accepted.

Team of the decade

Many contenders: Manchester City in England, Barcelona in Spain, Bayern Munich in Germany and Juventus in Italy all deserve mentions in dispatches, but the trophy that matters most, that glistens brightest in the pantheon of the game is the European Cup, and Real Madrid have dominated the decade.

Real have more than a strong relationship with the competition. It’s a love affair. It’s impossible to argue with Real being the team of the decade. Time and again, their passion for the trophy with the big ears has lit up their season, and the European season. It’s beautiful to behold, this constant craving, a reminder that the game is about glory. It’s an ambition stated loudly at the start of the season, beating in their hearts, forever woven into their history. This drive for the Champions League in yet another decade saw Real triumphant in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, a fabulous, almost unbelievable return, taking them to 13 in total, six clear of their closest rival, AC Milan. They destroyed Atletico Madrid in Lisbon, edged their neighbours on penalties in Milan, then overwhelmed Juventus in Cardiff and Liverpool in Kiev. Sergio Ramos demonstrated why he is one of the most effective defenders of all time. It makes legends of players, and confirms Real as the club of clubs.

THE TIMES