ARE FOOTBALLERS ANIMALS? IF SO.....

 

While we enjoy our creature comforts and love of football, animals every day are fighting for their right to survive in an ever-more complicated habitat. To pay honour to some great creatures and to the world's best footballers, here is a look at who might be paired with whom, if one had to choose; with reference to THOMAS ATZENHOFFER.

Gerard Pique: African Buffalo: Strong and powerful but with an element of grace and skill, the African Buffalo is a mighty creature. Gerard Pique paints a picture of tough opposition in the defensive third and is one of the top center backs in the world, known to stand his ground when needed but also can spring forward in the attack when called upon. He is always tightly marked!





Edinson Cavani: Napoli striker Edinson and his fellow South American native the Anaconda have a lot in common. Both are powerful with a swift bite and the endurance to squeeze the life out of your defense all day long.

David Silva: Spanish Lynx Sharp eyesight and with excellent movement off and on the ball, Manchester City's David Silva is a rare gem in the world of football, much like the Spanish lynx is in the animal kingdom. The playmaker is known for his almost cat-like ability to be in multiple places quickly and fluidly to set up a brilliant attack.




Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: Ostrich Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has a long lanky body like an ostrich, with the speed and tenacity to boot. However, he has moments of sticking his head in the ground and shying away from opponents and the spotlight that has troubled his career in the past. Nonetheless, he has made a great return to form this season and deserves recognition for getting back to the top of his game, for now.




Fernando Llorente: Cougar Big, strong and powerful. You will find all three to be in the description of the cougar and Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente. The big Spaniard has bossed the front line, bullied defenders with his power but still maintains the prowess and composure to have a great finishing touch, just like the big cat.




Andres Iniesta: Wolverine Andre Iniesta can be a wolverine on the pitch as he is no stranger to running miles all match long to cover the ground it takes to beat his opponent. His off-the-pitch touch can have a fierce bite, while he has a stronger shot than many will give him credit.




Cesc Fabregas: Bobcat Cesc Fabregas and the bobcat are both opportunistic hunters. Whether Cesc is looking for that killer pass or a strike on goal, he is always roving the center of the park for the chance to make an impact.




Bastian Schweinsteiger: Tasmanian Devil Bastian Schweinsteiger plays with the mental intelligence and strength of a Tasmanian Devil. He can pick out a brilliant pass or force his way though on goal to deliver a powerful strike—it all just depends on the call that must be answered.




Luis Suarez: Coyote Intelligent, problem solving, sneaky and he might even bite you—just ask PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal. Like it or not, Luis Suarez shares a lot of the same characteristics and instincts with the coyote. Some are good and some are bad, but despite his idiosyncratic moments, Suarez has some of the best skills in the game and will hurt you if you give him the chance. 




Gonzalo Higuain: Otter Gonzalo Higuain will chase a goal individually or as a pack, much like an otter. His fluid movements allow him to get into great position with pace and skill where he is equally adept at scoring or a creating the chance for an opponent. 




Mesut Ozil: Hyena Fierce and cunning with a vicious attack, the hyena is all about attacking in a pack. Real Madrid attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil is just as potent on the pitch as he is a master creator of goal opportunities but still can cause damage when he is the key attacker.




Radamel Falcao: Fox A cunning hunter when in action, Radamel Falcao and the fox share a desire to be first when they go for it. Quick reflexes and a killer instinct have helped them both achieve greatness in their respected fields.




Manuel Neuer: Kangaroo Manuel Neuer shares the same ability to bound into action as the kangaroo. Both are equally spring-loaded hop-a-holic's that will get in the thick of it if needs be. Just look as his skills leaping between the posts and his forays outside of the box to come after an onrushing opponent.




Xabi Alonso: Lion The Lion may be king of the Jungle, but Xabi Alonso is a king of the midfield in his own right. The Spanish maestro has the heart of a lion and has the strength and attacking prowess to be steadfast during a hunt for goals and glory. Alonso also has the ability to dig deep and lash a powerful strike from long range that is the death of many an opponent's hopes.




Xavi Hernandez: Squirrel Agile, fast and tricky with an impeccable memory, Xavi Hernandez is a brilliant comparison to an underappreciated small mammal. Xavi and the squirrel both display an impressive array of tricks and strategies that help them both be masters of their element. Hand ball ref!









Karim Benzema: Badger A tough and fierce creature, the badger works well as a member of a clan or individually. Karim Benzema is equally effective as an out and out goalscorer or the creator of goals for his clan members. He is also not one to shy from tough opposition when called upon.




Arjen Robben: Meercat With a highly developed sense of vision and an uncanny amount of speed and energy to unleash when called upon, Arjen Robben is without a doubt a mighty meercat. Equally skilled as a leader and a follower, Robben can take charge on the pitch as well as be the supporting cast member that makes those around him great.




Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Falcon Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a powerful attacker with ruthless cunning when he is on top form. The tenacious attack of a Falcon mirrors the big Swedish forward's ability to swoop in and fire home a game-winner with blistering pace and accuracy.





Wayne Rooney: English Bulldog There is no question that Wayne Rooney and the English Bull Dog are a match made in comparison heaven. Short, stocky and strong with an undying loyalty to his club and manager, the English striker can battle his way through any situation.




Didier Drogba: Jackal Didier Drogba shares much of the same characteristics with a fellow African native, the jackal. An animal that is built for endurance during the hunt and adapted to attack multiple types of prey either individually or in a pack, the jackal is Drogba's animal equal. Both also have a keen protective sense of guarding what is closest to their hearts, and Drogba certainly proved he was willing to fight to finally achieve greatness with Chelsea. What do you think.?









Sergio 'Kun' Aguero: Raccoon: Small, powerful, quick and can scavenge a goal out of nothing, Sergio Aguero lit the pitch alight for Manchester City in his debut English Premier League season. A creature of opportunity as well as being tough when backed into a corner, the Argentine showed all these qualities this season.

Mario Gomez: although not short and stocky, he is known to be an opportunist in front of goal like a warthog can be in the wild.  That killer instinct to pounce on anything close is one of many reasons why the German scored 40 goals in all competitions this season. 

Robin Van Persie: Sting Ray, Robin Van Persie, has the ability to be fluid and graceful but has an uncanny ability to make a single strike count in a big way. Arsenal's Dutchman also has a knack for blending into the action and at times going unnoticed until he is shown a window of opportunity. Just ask Liverpool, where he was for 89 out of 90 minutes the last time the Gunners visited Anfield and the Arsenal captain was the difference-maker in his only chance all night. 

Cristiano Ronaldo: Moluccan Cockatoo You may see Moluccan cockatoo and think that there is no way it makes sense with. However, there are few other animals that show off as extravagantly as both the Portuguese star and the exotic bird. They both are two of the most demanding breeds out there. Ronaldo is known for strutting his skill both on and off the pitch and will squawk when he feels aggrieved either way. 



Lionel Messi: Spider Monkey Lionel Messi is a tough tricky bundle of energy, much like the spider monkey. You can chase him up, down or around and around the pitch, but Messi will almost always get the best of you.