We’re 11 matches into the 2018 World Cup and there’s been one standout performer - Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar scored an incredible hat-trick as his side held Spain to a 3-3 on Friday.

Not bad for a 33-year-old.

It’s astonishing to see Cristiano in this kind of form as he heads towards the end of his career.

But those that have played alongside him throughout his career have seen his hard-work and dedication up close.

And it certainly won’t come as any surprise to see him go on to become one of the greatest players football has ever seen.

One man that certainly saw that elite mentality earlier in his career was Patrice Evra.

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN CRISTIANO LOST TO RIO

And the former Manchester United left-back has revealed a superb story involving Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo and a table tennis table.

“They were playing table tennis and Rio beat him and we were all screaming and Ronaldo was so upset,” Patrice Evra told ITV Sport’s World Cup podcast.

“Then he sent his cousin to buy a table tennis table. He trained for two weeks at home and he came back and he beat Rio in front of everyone. That’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

“That’s why I am not surprised today that he wants to win another Golden Ball, why he wants to win the World Cup because he’s an angry man.”

It may just be a little anecdote but it encapsulates Ronaldo's attitude perfectly.

He might not have been the most gifted footballer at a young age but he’s worked harder than anyone else to reach the top.

It’s a perfect lesson for any youngster wanting to follow in Cristiano’s footsteps.

You need to have that winning mentality in absolutely everything you do.

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