Cristiano Ronaldo has well and truly staked his claim for the best player in the World this season, scoring 27 goals in 28 games. Missing out on the award to AC Milan’s Kaka in December has certainly seemed to work as the inspiration for Ronaldo to improve his game. In the six games Ronaldo has played in since Kaka was named European Player of the Year, Ronaldo has scored nine goals.
Today, Ronaldo has claimed that he would not be surprised if he was to win World and European Player next year, saying he is in a privileged situation at United. “I don’t need to demonstrate that I am the No.1 in the world,” said Ronaldo. “Over the nine months of the season the work you do will show who really is the best. If I am named the best in the world, it won’t be a surprise to me. I’m 23 now and I never believed I would find myself in such a privileged position in the world of football, playing at the highest level for a club of United’s standing.”
I don’t think there’s a question as to who’s the best in the world. The only thing I worry about Ronaldo’s game is that he’s dribbling less and less. He doesn’t beat his man that often anymore, which is one of his greatest assets. Sir Alex spoke about Giggs wanting to be a more well rounded player when he was young but said he should always try to beat his man because that is what makes him a threat on the flanks. Same with Ronaldo. As much as I love to see him score so often, I want to see him toy around with defenders more often because that gives us pentration on the flanks which is what United’s game has always been based on
When Ronaldo performs against Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal or a top European side then maybe he can claim to be the best. Kaka has been tearing defences apart against top sides for years. Ronaldo never performs against the rest of the big 4 in the premiership and against Milan last year he was invisible. To be classed as the best in the world, you have to tear-apart the best defences in the world. Ronaldo is yet to do that.
“I never believed I would find myself in such a privileged position in the world of football”
Don’t believer that for a second; CR7 has always had a huge ego and tremendous determination. It seems to me that being “the best in the world” has been one of his driving, defining characteristics. And, that’s OK with me.
Ronnie still has a lot to prove. His away performances leave a lot to be desired. He does not play with the same arrogance and assurance. Many of his away performances are poor. it could be because in away games he has two/three defenders on him most of the match. Until he can deal with that however he will never be recognised as the best in the world. Still a great player though, but mostly in home games to my thinking.
I think its great that he is becoming more of a rounded player. The reason he didnt play well against Milan was because Gattuso was chasing him all around the park not hesitating for second to chop him down. If we play Milan again this year you can bet Gattuso wont be able to chop Ronaldo and Nani down. He is a very very good player, he no doubt has every chance of going down in the history books as one of the greats in 20-30 years.
I feel he thinks he is too good.Its not a good thing.