Although Cristiano Ronaldo is often derided for multiple stepovers, posturing and the like, that really does such a fabulous player a disservice.
Forget all of the comparisons to Lionel Messi, the Portuguese stands alone as an athlete of renown. Has there ever been a player in such peak physical condition at his stage of his career?
This is a forward who takes the utmost care to look after himself and to always provide the best he can.
He leaps like no other and hangs in the air to power home headers that other mere mortals can only dream of scoring. However, his forte has always been to run at the opposition with the ball at his feet. Weaving in and out to dizzying degrees.
When on his game, there’s no one better in European football at the ‘old school’ art of dribbling, so let’s take a look at five of his best...
#1 February 24, 2007 – Manchester United vs Fulham
Who can forget this epic piece of play from almost 10 years ago. Ronaldo picked the ball up by the centre-circle, with his back to goal and with his marker touch-tight to him. No matter.
A Cruyff turn to throw opponent number one off the scent was instantly followed by a double drag back as Liam Rosenior closed in. The famous afterburners were installed as the Portuguese, from an almost standing start, seemed to go from 0-60 in little over a second or two.
(Video Courtesy: PoloBoyMal YouTube Channel)
Pulling clear, it wouldn’t be long before he was surrounded by two more Fulham players as his foray took him closer to their area.
A deliberate flick and then pass into space found Ryan Giggs who would, ultimately shoot straight at the keeper.
Sublime.
#2 January 5, 2008 – Aston Villa vs Manchester United
A third-round FA Cup tie that was lit up by Ronaldo’s opener. Receiving the ball well inside his own half, he motored forward to the edge of Aston Villa’s area, leaving three defenders in his wake.
Cutting across the top of the box towards the ‘D’, the striker then unleashed a shot which fortuitously bounced back to him from the heels of a defender. Despite there being five opposition players at close quarters, the youngster was still the first to react.
His venomous shot into the top corner was worthy of the entrance fee alone. All his own work.
(Video Courtesy: Anass Teaser YouTube Channel)
#3 September 2, 2012 – Real Madrid vs Granada
Seeing is believing. The dribble that Ronaldo achieved against Granada was jaw-dropping in its execution.
Receiving a pass from Alvaro Arbeloa just inside the opposition half and centrally, he wrong-footed his marker immediately with a deft turn. That gave him the space he needed to be able to drive forward to the heart of Granada’s defence.
With his marker in hot pursuit, he was almost immediately faced by another and not only did his stepover bamboozle the pair of them, it also gave him leverage to push the ball past the left-back who eventually ended up on the floor, thanks to a typical Ronaldo drag-back.
Another that wasn’t to end in a score but absolutely wonderful to watch.
#4 March 3, 2011 – Real Madrid vs Malaga
Another one for the scrapbook, and only the fingertips of Willy Caballero stopped this from being one of the best goals that Ronaldo has ever scored.
With his back to goal and almost touching the sideline, the forward – with one defender in front of him and one behind – set off toward the area where he was also faced with two more Malaga players.
(Video Courtesy: RapDe2011 YouTube Channel)
All four were within a yard of him when he dropped his shoulder and managed to wrong-foot three of them before poking the ball past the right side of the fourth as he collected it down the defenders left side.
A fearsome goalbound effort should’ve ended with a well-deserved score, but the stunning save was even applauded by the Portuguese.
#5 April 20, 2011 – Copa Del Rey Final, Real Madrid v Barcelona
Though this final will always be remembered for Cristiano Ronaldo’s towering header which won the game in extra time, it’s worth recalling some of the great work that he did during the first 90 minutes of this ‘El Clasico.’
His work rate and desire were never better evidenced than in the first half as he looked to help Los Blancos gain a foothold against their fiercest rivals.
(Video Courtesy: CrixRonnieOfficial YouTube Channel)
Chasing back towards his own area to defend, he picked up the ball, turned in towards Gerard Pique, who had inexplicably moved upfield and beat him with ease. David Villa was wrong-footed by a wonderful feint and he was away.
Pedro and Dani Alves – neither a slouch when it comes to pace – were left in Ronaldo’s slipstream as he bobbed and weaved his way towards the danger zone.
Felled by Adriano as a last resort, it was a rudimentary end to a wonderful piece of skill.
