Ever since the World Cup, issues have been raised concerning the form and performance of FIFA’s best footballer for the past two years, Ronaldinho.

I think fatigue is one of the reasons why the Brazilian’s form had dipped. An exhaustive season with Barça, the World Cup and his club’s pre-season USA tour has taken a heavy toll. After a disappointing World Cup, he has not been impressive this season (especially in the European Super Cup defeat by Sevilla and recently in the 1-1 draw against Valencia in La Liga.

Sure, the 26-year-old maestro is under pressure – all sports personalities are. The question is, does he still have the drive to succeed at the top? Have the cheques he has received from Barça, Nike and other sponsors somehow hindered his play? .Then there’s the tabloid gossip of clandestine meetings with his girlfriend during the World Cup, and that he is over indulgent on PlayStation. And let’s not forget that at the current point in his footballing career, Ronaldinho already has the highest honours in world football, World Cup, Champions League, La Liga, Copa America, World Footballer of the Year and Ballon D’or last year. Is there anything more for him to achieve?

Barca boss Frank Rijkaard has an important role in helping the maestro - and it is encouraging to see the manager defending him in the press. But Ronaldinho must raise the tempo for Barcelona and Brazil, for his supporters, and also for the good of football.