City's Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both misfired in the shootout to put Madrid in the driving seat
Messi 1st, Ronaldo 29th!
Talismanic Argentine Lionel Messi’s prolific form this season has lifted him to the top spot for forwards in a statistical study by International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES).
Published : 1 April 2015, 05:53 AM
Updated : 1 April 2015, 05:53 AM
Messi’s Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo has been ranked as the 29th best forward in the list.
Messi has 100 points to his name and is followed by Dutch winger Arjen Robben, according to CIES Football Observatory.
The Portuguese had a significant slump in form with only six goals in the La Liga over the last three months after winning his third Ballon d’Or.
Meanwhile, Messi cruised past him with a tally of 19 goals over the last three months in La Liga as Barca sit top of the table, four points clear of Real Madrid.
Messi has been instrumental in boosting Barca’s form this season as the Catalan side is already in the final of domestic King’s Cup, against Athletic Bilbao, and in the last eight of the Champions League.
In addition to goalscoring, CIES considered aspects such as creating chance for teammates, successful challenge to opponent in dangerous positions, pass distribution, proficient recovery interception and rigour ability.
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