As Villarreal prepare to face Real Madrid in La Liga, their manager Marcelino has heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the Portugal international as 'more complete' than Lionel Messi.

Marcelino acknowledged that Messi and Ronaldo were the two best players on the planet, but insisted Madrid's frontman is better because of his aerial prowess and his belief Ronaldo is stronger with both feet than his Argentine rival.

'Cristiano, taking into account all surfaces, is the best in the world,' the 49-year-old told El Partido de las 12.

Villarreal boss Marcelino believes Cristiano Ronaldo is a more complete player than Barcelona's Lionel Messi

Ronaldo has shown his ability to score brilliant goals with either foot and his head during his time in Spain

'He is better than Messi both with his feet and with his head. He is the more complete in the end - he has more resources because [he is good in] the air and hits the ball well with both feet.

'Messi has more trouble finishing with his right foot and because of his stature does not dominate in the air.

'[And] It is difficult to find a better header of the ball than Cristiano. To me they are the two best players in the world.'

The Portugal international's muscular physique has made him a nightmare for opponents across the globe