Completely different ligue.
Completely different tactics which does not suit his style of play at all.
No pre season.
Considering all of that, his stats are impressive. Last year people were saying that Modric was the worst transfer. We all know how he plays now.
Some people? From my experience most people are claiming this, unless you are on Barca forums. Of course, Messi is the best player in the world, but CR is the only player comparable to him.
Well, they were poor at it. They are no masters now, but they improved. Still, with players like CR and Bale they shouldnt forget about counter attacking.
Not saying that Messi is slacking off, but CR is desribed by people as titan of hard work. And no, CR wasnt born with a body like that, he had to train in order to get one.
Thats becuase Messi is better. But like I said, the difference is not so big.
Two different positions, two different tasks. I would rather classiffy Messi and CR as free electrons.