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#5 Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff has always been a great judge of talent. He had said it before that Ronaldo was something special. When the fans and the pundits began comparing Ronaldo to George Best and Denis Law, two greats of United’s sparkling history, he went on record to say that the Portuguese international was even better the famed duo.
Ronaldo, for his part, did nothing to prove Cruyff wrong as he went on to become only the fourth player in United’s history to win the Ballon d’Or in 2008 and followed it up with four more in the coming years.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United.”
#4 Eusebio
Cristiano Ronaldo was likened to Eusebio ever since he burst onto the scene. His speed, technique, athleticism, ferocious right-footed shot, and his goal-scoring abilities contributed to an uncanny resemblance to the Portuguese great.
Eusebio, himself, was left impressed by his successor’s qualities and heaped praise on a young Ronaldo. By now, of course, we are well aware of how much ‘magic’ there is in Ronaldo’s boots. Remember that elastico nutmeg on David Lopez?
“He has magic in his boots. The first thing you notice about him is that he is incredibly quick and very, very powerful for such a young man."
“He has great, close control and his technique is excellent. He believes he can do anything with the ball, and that confidence makes him very special indeed.”
#3 George Best
George Best is considered by many as the greatest footballer of all time, even better than Pele and Diego Maradona. The winger, who had many characteristics similar to that of Ronaldo, is a Manchester United legend.
Of course, he was the footballer who made the number seven jersey famous at United, and it is part of his legacy that makes the number so special. Ronaldo, later on, donned the number seven iconic shirt at Old Trafford and was subsequently compared to the Northern Irishman very often.
“There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it's been a compliment to me.”
#2 Sir Alex Ferguson
One of the most successful managers in football history, Sir Alex Ferguson oversaw the most successful era in the history of Manchester United. It was he who first realised the true potential of Ronaldo, brought him over to England, and shaped him into the world-beater that he is today.
Twenty-six years at a single club is no easy achievement. In all those years, Sir Alex had seen some of the best players in the world, from David Beckham to Paul Scholes. Yet, he chose to put Ronaldo right at the top.
“We’ve had some great players at this club in my 20 years, but he’s up with the best.”
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, of course, is Ronaldo’s greatest rival. The two footballers have dominated world football over the last decade like no other. Since 2008, the two have shared the Ballon d’Or award eleven times, with Ronaldo winning five times and Messi, six.
The Argentine, who has seldom been outspoken about his rival, showered praise in this particular interview back in 2013. Although he had just collected the Golden Shoe award for scoring the most number of goals in the previous season, he was quick to acknowledge Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess.
“(Ronaldo) is always there scoring goals in all the games and taking part in his club and national side. He has been doing that for many years and whether he is at his peak or a bit below it makes no difference.”
