Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Most deserving Ballon d’Or winners, explaining Wirtz’s struggles, stars who never shined, and more | Listener Questions
Nov 8, 2025
Get ready for a deep dive into soccer debates! The hosts discuss the most deserving Ballon d'Or winners throughout history, including legends like Zidane and Messi. They analyze Florian Wirtz's struggles at Liverpool, examining factors like tactical fit and pressure. There's also an exploration of big international stars who never dazzled on the tournament stage, touching on names like Gerrard and Raul. Plus, the conversation heats up over whether the USL could pose a real threat to MLS. Tune in for insights and laughs!
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How Ballon d'Or Is Really Decided
- Ballon d'Or value mixes individual peak performance and major tournament achievements.
- Voters often reward World Cup or Champions League impact alongside statistical dominance.
Messi's 2012 Peak Is Unique
- Lionel Messi's 2012 calendar-year output (91 goals) represents a historically unmatched peak.
- Such extreme individual seasons can outweigh other award considerations for many voters.
Why Wirtz Hasn't Sparked At Liverpool
- Florian Wirtz's Liverpool dip reflects role change, league step-up, and age.
- He attempts fewer passes, dribbles, and shots because Liverpool don't lean on him the way Leverkusen did.