Underrated United Legends: Ruud Van Nistelrooy(A Thread)
One of the most prolific strikers of the 21st Century, RVN's name in debates such as the best striker over the past 25 years doesn't pop up enough. In this thread, we'll be taking a look at the Dutchman's career
His Story:
Van Nistelrooy was a late bloomer. He'd play for local amateur clubs before getting picked up by Den Bosch, aged 17.
Throughout his youth, RVN played as a midfielder, but due to heavy competition, he moved to CF.
His Story:
He'd then move to Heerenveen, where he'd score 16 goals in 40 matches.
After a season in Friesland, he'd move down south to PSV for a record transfer between Eredivisie clubs
His Story:
In his first season for PSV, he'd score 41 in 46 in all competitions, scoring the second most league goals in all of European top-flight football.
The next season he'd score 32 goals in as many games. Sir Alex Ferguson would come calling, only for tragedy to strike
His Story:
RVN was suffering knee issues before signing for United. And during his medical, something was found. The transfer would be promptly canceled.
And if that wasn't enough, the next day while training with PSV, Van Nistelrooy would suffer a ruptured ACL injury
His Story:
Van Nistelrooy would be ruled out for a year. However, Sir Alex still kept faith with him.
He'd return to action late in the 2000/01 season, where he'd score 4 goals in 12 games
Nonetheless, United would sign him, believing the Dutchman would be back to his best
Profile:
The ultimate bagsman. Van Nistelrooy was your typical fox in the box kind of striker. Standing at 6'2, he was great with his back to goal as well.
RVN had some of the best goalscoring instincts the game has ever seen. His movement and timing was unrivaled in his era
Profile:
An underrated aspect of Van Nistelrooy's game was his technical ability. This was a big part of his game during his PSV years, but sadly United fans wouldn't be able to see it as much.
Nonetheless, there were always flashes of his once-noteworthy capabilities
At United:
In his first season, he'd score 36 goals and win PFA Players' POTY Award and the Sir Matt Busby Award.
In 2002/03, he'd push United to league success, scoring 44 goals in all comps and in the process winning the PL Golden Boot and defending his Sir Matt Busby crown.
At United:
In 03/04, Ruud Van Nistelrooy would score 30 in all comps and lead United to FA Cup glory, scoring braces in the 5th and 6th rounds, as well as the final.
04/05 would be curtailed, mainly through injury, and the next season would be his last
At United:
Disheartened that SAF didn't play him in the League Cup final, RVN would take his frustrations out on Ronaldo, even making sensitive jokes about his late father(unknowingly).
This would culminate in him leaving the stadium early on the last GW. Oh the irony
After United:
Van Nistelrooy would then sign for Real Madrid, where he'd lead them to back-to-back La Liga titles. He'd also win the Pichichi trophy(top Goalscorer in Spain) in his first season.
He'd move to Hamburg and Malaga, before retiring
Justification:
Before people tell me he's not underrated, I want to say this. Time treats people differently.
It'd be ridiculous for me to say that Maldini is underrated because even after his playing days, he's still regarded as the greatest defender ever
Justification:
However, when talking about the best striker not just in the Premier League but in the 21st Century, his name barely pops up within the mainstream view.
Yes, while he was playing he was highly respected, but sadly, time hasn't reflected on him kindly
Justification:
His overall game was always underrated, as many just dismiss him as a poacher. But he was more than that.
He was a masterful technician with a great first touch and a sly eye for a pass.
And even if he was just a poacher, he was the best around clearly
His Legacy:
He's one of the most clinical finishers the game has ever seen. From 1999 till 2008, Van Nistelrooy would only score less than 20 twice, both times due to injury.
The best Dutch striker of all time and the most deadly striker of the past 25 years
A hero at PSV, a legend at United and a cult hero in the Bernabeu, Ruud Van Nistelrooy had one hell of a career.
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