Maturing Ronaldo can be the best

24/09/2006 06:28, Report by Ben Hibbs
United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his growing maturity and strength of character following the fall-out from this summer’s World Cup.
He is in no doubt that the 21-year-old Portuguese winger can be the best player in the world if he continues his development at Old Trafford.

Queiroz has been a mentor to Ronaldo during his time at Old Trafford, and was instrumental over the summer in helping the United youngster overcome the reaction from the English press and opposition fans following Wayne Rooney’s red card for England against Portugal in Germany.

Since then, Ronaldo has been in scintillating form for the Reds, and Queiroz is excited about the future that lies ahead of the Madeiran.

“He is showing to the world that he is not a player that can be affected by mistakes or adversity,” Carlos said. “He has shown such a strong personality and is playing with great authority. I must say, as a compliment to him, he has grown up a lot in the last few months, especially since the World Cup.

“For me, it is important you don’t approach players and say ‘do this’ or ‘do that’. You have to help them think about life, principles and values and teach them to think for themselves and come up with the right answers.

“When I talked to Cristiano, I tried to get him to create that special desire and ambition to be, not one of the best players in the world, but the best player in the world. He can do it, he can be the best in the world.

“We have a couple of players that have that possibility here. They learn from the game and learn from life. It’s about creating the balance of how they play, what they say, the friends they have… everything. It is part of our job to help them construct the right thoughts and come to the right decisions on the pitch and away from it.”

There is another test for the skilful winger in the form of Benfica on Tuesday. Ronaldo got himself in trouble and received a one match-ban – which he served against Celtic – last season in Estadio da Luz for a gesture to the Benfica fans. Asked if he thought Ronaldo would pass the test, Queiroz is adamant in his response.

“I have no doubts about it,” he said. “It is a special opportunity for Ronaldo because he was punished in Benfica and he starts afresh in Benfica. He can reverse what happened last season.

“We don’t need to talk to him about it, we talked enough about what happened after the game, so we don’t need to do it again. I am sure he will play well.”

credit: manutd