Barca rated top team in the world

BY PAUL BURROWES Observer writer

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

THE International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has ranked Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy as the best scorer of the decade, 2001-2010.

Based on goals scored for national teams and primary domestic club competitions, Nistelrooy scored 86 goals playing for the Netherlands, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Hamburger SV in the decade.

He edged out France's Thierry Henry, 85 goals; Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast, 84 goals; Germany's Miroslav Klose 81 goals, and Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o 79 goals.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine Lionel Messi, who have played for just over half of that decade were 26th and 34th, respectively, with 54 and 50 goals.

Meanwhile, IFFHS declared Barcelona as currently the top team in the world with 359 points, ahead of Real Madrid 302 points, Argentina champions Velez Sarsfield 271 points, Manchester United 260 points, and Manchester City 241 points.

Barcelona are seeking their fourth consecutive title in the Spanish Primera Liga, having also won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Championships.

But the Union of European Football Association (UEFA), which has its own ranking, also puts Barca on top with 145.9228, ahead of Manchester United 139.3069, Chelsea 122.3069, Bayern Munich 120.13.72, and Arsenal 111.3069.

In terms of leagues, the IFFHS elevates the Spanish Liga to the pinnacle with 1,194 points, eclipsing the English Premier League 1,103 points, Brasil's Serie A 889 points, Portugal's SuperLiga 886 points, and France's Ligue 1 883 points.

Meanwhile the Castrol Edge Ranking, last updated on January 11, 2012, has Barca's Lionel Messi as currently the best player in the world with 1,097 points. He is followed by Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez 1,026 points, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema 1,005, Arsenal's Robin Van Persie 990 points, and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo 948 points.