7 pairs of former teammates we wish played together again

As much as football fans love to feast their eyes on fine individual play, they also relish the opportunity to see teammates combine to entertain them with brilliant teamwork. Over the course of history, time and again, fans all over have witnessed unforgettable partnerships among pairs of teammates that sometimes make us think they are inseparable: a case of two artists coming together to create a single collaborative piece of footballing beauty. Usually, we can’t think of one without being reminded of the other. While some of these partnerships are sustained over a long period of time, others are broken up by often heartbreaking departures. The fans are left in pain and thinking ‘what if’. Here are 7 pairs of former teammates we wish played together again.Note: Retired players have not been considered.

#1 Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi

One of the greatest disappointments most football fans from the last decade will have is in not seeing enough of the Ronaldinho-Messi combination wreak havoc across Europe. When the diminutive youngster from Rosario took his first steps as a Barcelona first teamer, Ronaldinho would prove to be a mentor of sorts, encouraging him and showing him the way.

However, their time together at Barcelona (2004 to 2008) was marred either by Messi’s injuries or Ronaldinho’s dipping form following the 2006 World Cup, giving audiences limited opportunities to see the two South American wizards combine well on the pitch. But when they did, the two of them showed fans signs of a potentially brilliant partnership.

Just imagine both of them at their peak, playing side by side for the Blaugrana; such a shame it had to end too soon.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil

For all the success that Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in recent years, one may be forgiven for thinking that it was a one-man show all the time. However, his goalscoring exploits were aided by some of the most creative brains in the game – such as Mesut Ozil.

The German midfield maestro joined Real Madrid a year after Ronaldo, and the latter’s increasing goal tally had a lot to do with Ozil’s assists. The combination was deadly – Ozil assisted Ronaldo 27 times during their three-year stay together at Real.

When Ozil was sold to Arsenal in the summer of 2013, Ronaldo was reportedly furious and made his anger well-known, saying: “He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal. I'm angry about Özil leaving. Ozil would be the very last player who I would sell from Real Madrid.”

#3 Mario Gotze and Marco Reus

Gotzeus is a unique footballing friendship; it was built mainly over the course of a single season – 2012/13. Marco Reus had just joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer whereas Mario Gotze was playing his third season at the club after graduating from the youth setup.

They took no time at all in linking up and combined to score 35 goals as Dortmund finished runners-up in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. It was the kind of form which prompted Franz Beckenbauer to say: “As a classic duo there is nobody better than the prolific Reus and Götze.”

However, the combination came to a sudden end when Gotze moved to rivals Bayern Munich. The move hasn’t broken the friendship and even if Reus doesn’t join his friend at Munich, fans can still see the two combine for Germany.

#4 Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba

Although the empire may be crumbling at Stamford Bridge right now, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has to be credited along with owner Roman Abramovich for transforming the fortunes of the club. One of their biggest decisions was the signing of Didier Drogba, who quickly settled down with his teammates, especially a certain Frank Lampard.

Linking up to score 255 goals together between 2004 and 2012, the duo were at the heart of Chelsea’s most successful period in which they won all major honours and took their place among Europe’s elite. Drogba left the club in 2012, not before being voted as the club’s best-ever player, while Lampard stayed till 2014, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Fans can now see the two face each other in the MLS but will probably never see them terrorise defences together again.

#5 Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres

The above image may bring tears to some Scouser eyes. It will take their minds back to the times when Stevie G and El Niño took Liverpool to the brink of the Premier League title in 2009.

Back in those days, this duo brought the Anfield faithful to their feet with their telepathic understanding of each other – a far cry from the woeful situation the club finds itself in right now. Gerrard may have played alongside lots of strikers during his long career, but he will admit that his partnership with Torres was special.

In fact, the Liverpool legend told media that he was ‘heartbroken’ when Torres left for Chelsea. The admiration is mutual, with Torres since referring to Gerrard as the ‘best player he had ever played with’.

#6 Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney

In a recent interview, Cristiano Ronaldo was asked about his partnership with Wayne Rooney during their days together at Manchester United. He said: “He’s a fantastic team player and he scores goals. We won every trophy. I miss playing with him. Maybe in the future we will play together again.”

It was a statement that sent hearts racing across the United fandom; for they have not cherished any partnership in recent history more than the one which saw Rooney and Ronaldo collaborate to devastating effect. The duo formed the golden goose – the key to Sir Alex Ferguson’s return to English dominance in the mid-2000s.

The partnership survived the infamous sending off incident at the 2006 World Cup but would be ended by the Portuguese star’s departure to Real Madrid. Despite winning a couple of league titles after Ronaldo left, United have not been the same ever since.

#7 Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie

The final spot in this list goes to an Arsenal duo – both former captains and no longer at the club. Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie were both bright young talents when they arrived at Arsenal, a season apart, at the ages of 16 and 20 respectively.

Under the keen eye and tutelage of Arsene Wenger, they gradually grew into important members of the team. The two stood at the forefront of a young exciting squad as Wenger looked to build another title-winning squad.

Although the Gunners failed in that endeavour, Fabregas and Van Persie did not fail to shine. Sadly for their fans, the two would leave just as they had come – a season apart. Fabregas left first, and then, after wearing the armband for a season, Van Persie too.

Even in the new-look Arsenal team of today, these two could fit in just fine.