If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you'd know I'm a pretty pragmatic guy even when it comes to football analysis which is usually subjective. I always try to see things from many perspectives and remain as fair as possible.
Now with the issue and possible signing of Franck Ribéry, I want to answer the question of whether Real Madrid needs him or not.
Many people have formed negative images of Ribéry. A friend of mine and a fellow blogger called him a "scareface' which was really offensive to me. It is purely unprofessional and it is just not right to say.
Ribéry might not be the best looking guy in the world, but what does that have to do with football? He has a scar on his face, but so what? It doesn't make him a bad person or footballer, it is just an accident and he didn't seek any cosmetic help to remove the scar. And he doesn't look ugly If you ask me, so If you are one of those who hate Ribéry because of the scar on his face, then I don't know what to say.
For those who doubt his talent and professionalism, then we can certainly talk.
One of the points raised, for example in this article, is that Ribéry is always unhappy. I don't know about you, but I never heard him say on TV that he is unhappy at his current club. Additionally, this is not a valid reason for Real not to buy him. If he was unhappy at Bayern, then he might have his reasons. Why don't we analyze the reasons and the judge him on that?
Another point is that he is accused of being selfish. I used to watch Bayern Munich when Luca Toni played for them, and I don't believe Ribéry is a selfish player. Ask any Bayern Munich follower and he'd tell you that Ribéry is their key man. He scores, assists and helps his teammates.
Ronaldo is accused of being selfish and so is Robben, and I have seen both at Real and they were never selfish, especially Ronaldo. Plus, sometimes, being selfish is a good thing and a perfect is example is Lionel Messi.
The Argentine keeps the ball probably more than any player at Barcelona, yet he is the most dangerous and effective. He is selfish, but he delivers results.
The same with Ribéry. If he keeps the ball, I'm sure he can do wonders with it.
One more thing related to the second point is his leadership. If you doubt that he is a leader, then who is carrying Bayern on his shoulder? Who is their man?
Ask yourself this question; what qualities Ribéry should have to be a leader?
Being influential on the pitch? Check.
Working with his teammates? Check.
Communicating with other players? Check.
Discipline and professionalism? Double-check.
And how many leaders do you want on your squad? Real have too many. Casillas, Raùl, Ramos, Ronaldo and Kakà are all leaders -- but you just need one.
The last thing that Ribery is being criticized for is his fitness. Now this really made me upset. Just read the following:
"Third is his fitness. Here in the United States, Brett Favre (a quarterback in the NFL) is considered one of the best players in American football history. Yes, he was able to put up the numbers. But in addition, he played in nearly every game, which even made his legend greater. Ribery has failed to show that he is a player whose fitness level is where is should be. Since being a pro, he has played more than 30 games only twice in his career (35 games, at Marseille and Brest). And, like the current situation in Liverpool with Alberto Aquilani, a team cannot rely on the services of a player who can only play part of the season. What good is that?"
I don't believe a footballer has total control over his fitness. Ribéry doesn't party as crazy and as much as Ronaldinho If not at all, and to my knowledge, he never misses a workout due to hangover.
So his injuries are just injuries. It is like when Ronaldo, the most fit player at Real Madrid, got injured.
You know, someone tackles you harshly and hurts you? Some are lucky, some are unlucky. No matter how much you take care of yourself, there is a chance you get injured.
Arjen Robben was never fit. Do I blame him? No, he takes care of himself, yet he gets injured -- he is unlucky.
If Ribéry was eating carbs and sugar 7 days a week, not going to training and partying until 3AM then I would say he is not taking care of his body. Otherwise, it is not under his control when he gets injured.
This is an invalid point.
Having said that, I understand what the writer is trying to say. Real Madrid doesn't need someone who is sidelined all the time. I agree, but I do believe that Ribery's record is better than Robben'w and I'm sure with the excellent medical team we have, he will avoid many injuries.
However, the main question remains, does Real Madrid need Ribéry?
Yes, they do and let me tell you why.
We have one pure winger and that is Ronaldo. Marcelo and Drenthe are fine, but I want someone as good as Ronaldo with pace, ball control, creativity, excellent crossing and play-making skills. Ribéry fits the bill, Marcelo and Drenthe don't.
If Ronaldo gets injured as happened this season we will either use Marcelo or we will have alter our formation and strategy.
If we bring Ribéry we will have a perfect replacement and add more width. We can play with Ribéry on the left and Ronaldo as a striker. Or you can drop a striker or a defensive midfielder and play him on the right and you have two devastating wingers.
Who doesn't want to own Ronaldo and Ribéry on the same team?
The bottom line is, Ribéry's talent is unquestionable and so is his professionalism. He is needed at Real Madrid, maybe not very very much, but he would be a very good addition to the squad. He is a natural replacement for Robben and he will give us a lot of options.
Adam Bader is a football journalist who exclusively covers Real Madrid on OleOle.com — follow him on Twitter, Facebook or via RSS to get a balanced yet personal look on Real Madrid.