Fergie tips Ronaldo for the top

14/10/2006 - 21:01:38
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo can become the best player in the world.

Ronaldo has been in outstanding form this season, silencing the jeers of opposition fans eager to condemn him for his part in England's World Cup downfall.

The Portugal winger's recent displays have been in marked contrast to the below-par efforts of fellow youngster Wayne Rooney.

And, while Ronaldo missed this afternoon's clash with Wigan after picking up an ankle injury on international duty in midweek, he is expected to play against FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford when the Champions League cranks back into gear on Tuesday.

Ferguson needs no reminding the 21-year-old is a unique talent in the modern game and the Scot has no doubt Ronaldo will eventually reach the very top.

"There is no doubt Cristiano can become the best player in the world," said Ferguson.

"He has everything really and in terms of players who can attack defenders at speed, no-one in Europe comes close.

"There are some central midfield players like Kaka and Ronaldinho, who can attack from central areas and are very good at it. But they are world-class players anyway.

"Ronaldo is in that bracket now. He runs with the ball at such incredible speed it is not easy for defenders to handle him and his record for Portugal shows you exactly where he is going."

Strong, fast, two-footed and with excellent aerial ability, Ronaldo also has also added goalscoring to his repertoire. He now has a respectable 12 international strikes to his name from 41 appearances and has already netted twice for United in the Premiership this term.

In addition, the Madeira-born star, who was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, is starting to learn when to use his amazing tricks.

And, his more mature outlook also appears to have found favour with referees, who are starting to rule in his favour more often now some of his outrageous diving antics have been eliminated.

"He is learning the game of football now, when to pass and when to hold," said Ferguson.

"The whole variety of his game has changed. It is quite remarkable because it is something we have been working on with the boy all the time and, all of a sudden, he seems to be able to grasp all the things we have been saying. That is very encouraging.

"In fairness, referees are starting to recognise because, running at the speed Cristiano does, it only takes half a bodycheck for him to lose his balance."

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