How Manchester United must regret selling Gerard Pique back to Barcelona for a paltry £5m. Ever since he was repatriated in Catalonia, the centre-back has grown in stature, become one of the world’s best defenders and been an integral part of the Blaugrana’s success story during the last decade.
As much of an icon he has become for every Barcelonista, Sergio Ramos is held in equally high esteem at Real Madrid. The pair play together at national level but off of the pitch there is often no love lost, as we saw in El Clasico.
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Perhaps it’s the fact that Ramos has always been in Pique’s shadow, for a variety of reasons.
Let’s take a look at what they are.
#1 A better social media influencer
Social media has exploded in the last few years to the point where it’s impossible to remember a time without it. Whether to express messages of joy or sorrow, to keep in touch with friends, make announcements or otherwise, social media has become an indispensable tool.
And Pique has tended to use his Twitter account to its fullest effect, often to mock Real Madrid – as seen by the tweet above which was, until recently, the most retweeted ever on the platform.
Though La Liga doesn't appear to be fans of his antics, it’s clear that his messages always hit exactly the right spot. In a sport where even the smallest percentage of an advantage counts, getting inside the opponents head before the game even starts means you are onto a winner.
Ramos doesn’t even come close.
#2 A better WAG
Far be it for us to be rating WAGs but anyone who can count Shakira as their intended is onto a winner from the get-go.
Pilar Rubio, Sergio Ramos’ wife, is an intelligent and beautiful Spanish TV presenter who is, like Shakira, a personality in her own right. But, she cannot command audiences within the millions, doesn’t sell out concert venues all over the world or have the cream of the world’s musical talent wanting to work with her.
Furthermore, the Shakira foundation is one of the most important in her native Colombia. She is, without a doubt, a queen amongst women and is perhaps at her best and most honest when watching Pique at the Camp Nou. The gamut of emotions that she goes through is a sight to see in itself.
Sorry, Sergio.
#3 Gift of the gab
One of Pique’s greatest qualities is that he’s not frightened to say what he thinks. Take the Villarreal game that Barcelona played earlier this season.
After two stonewall penalties for the Blaugrana were not given, the centre-back sought out LaLiga chief, Javier Tebas, in the crowd at full time (pictured above).
“You, yes you. Did you see that? Did you?” No thought was given to what punishment might come his way, or Barcelona’s for that matter. There was a point to be made, and Pique made it – loud and clear. And he kept making it via interviews and social channels.
Tebas is a confirmed Madridista and Pique’s inference towards him regarding refereeing decisions was clear.
Sergio Ramos occasionally sticks his head above the parapet, but more often than not it seems to be to echo the ‘party line.’ The only time the Real captain becomes a little more outspoken than normal is when he’s answering Pique!
#4 Presidential aspirations
It’s not a question of if, but when. Cules are licking their lips at the prospect, in the not too distant future of a set up that sees Xavi as first-team coach at Barcelona, Carles Puyol as sporting director, and Pique as president.
He’s already had an input in one of the big decisions for the club in 2017/18, or it was his initial conversations with Rakuten that brought them to the table and eventually led to them becoming Barcelona’s new shirt sponsor.
He has his own gaming company, and Pique’s higher-than-average intelligence ensures that he would be a feasible candidate in future, should a presidential opportunity arise.
Ramos seems more concerned with what new tattoos to get done and caring for the horses on his ranch. A gamekeeper to Pique’s dealmaker. No contest.
#5 Trophies won
Pique has 27 titles from his stints at Barcelona and Manchester United and with the Spanish national team – and counting.
That includes four Champions Leagues and six LaLiga’s and a smattering of Spanish Super Cups and Copa del Reys. Domestically, only his own teammates – the likes of Messi, Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta – can compare.
In each and every one of those titles, he has played the fullest part.
Ramos, by way of comparison, has won just 17 which, though still none too shabby, is way behind his Spanish compatriot. And it’s at club level where the Real Madrid captain has faltered.
During this period of Barcelona dominance, and despite signing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez, Los Blancos haven’t been able to topple the Blaugrana from their lofty perch.
When all is said and done, it’s titles that will determine who is better and unless there’s a sea-change over the next few years, Barca will continue to deny their fiercest rivals the biggest prizes.
