Terry Venables compares Cristiano Ronaldo to the likes of Lionel Messi, Pele, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff. The former English player and coach believes that the Portuguese showbiz footballer has eclipsed all the mentioned names with his heroic performance against Spain.

Published By: Dalipinder Singh Sandhu (Bliss)

The former English footballer turned manager, Terry Venables has commented on the individual brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo which has made Portugal one of the dark horses in the FIFA World Cup 2018.

The captain of Portugal has come to rescue his team in the desperate hours of need time after time. His commitment cannot be undermined especially when he played with a tendonitis affected knee in the previous World Cup in Brazil. Cristiano Ronaldo this time has arrived in Russia in the form of his career. The number 7 has won the third consecutive UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid just 3 weeks ago. His record for the calendar year 2018 so far is phenomenal; scored 33 goals with 6 assists in 26 appearances alone. Against Spain, his top speed was recorded at 38.6 kmph which is the highest ever for a footballer. All these figures are of a 33-year-old player who refuses to age at all.

In his column of English news outlet Daily Mail, the former manager who coached Barcelona from 1984 to 1987 writes about the Real Madrid man in high praise. Terry Venables claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is the real threat to the opposition and is a more complete player and has all the attributes of the best players.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the opposition’s problem. They dive in and he is gone. There have been outstanding players over the decades like Maradona, Cruyff & of course, Pele. But for me, Cristiano who covers everything you want from one person but do not think possible can eclipse them.”

Venables further talks about the Maradona, Cruyff, and Pele. He believes that all the names were best of their era whereas Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be the GOAT (Greatest Of All Times).

“Maradona, Cruyff & Pele were the finest of their era, while Cristiano Ronaldo is vying with Messi to be the best of all time. Sir Stanley Matthews was considered incomparable but that was then, best of his era but neither he nor Tom Finney could do what CR7’s done in his career.”

The former Chelsea man continues to shower praise on the Portuguese footballer and believes that even Maradonna couldn’t do what Cristiano has done.

“Then there is Maradona. He scored sublime goals, forgetting the ‘Hand of God’. He was the top man of his era, as Gascoigne was for us. Neither were good losers, hardly a fault but they could do things others could not. They certainly couldn’t do what Ronaldo does. I’ve seen Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lionel Messi but Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is eclipsing them all.”

Terry Venables talks about the transformation of the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner and how his attitude on the pitch is. Terry believes that Cristiano Ronaldo has mastered the game in every sphere, be it in science, training, and even fitness.

“Ronaldo is, for the moment, well in front in that personal race to top the rankings. When you consider his age, 33, and what he has already achieved it tells you everything about the man that he continues to pursue the dream not just for himself but for his country. They talk about his ego, they refer to him as a poser. When he winks he is saying: ‘I can do everything’. So what? He has and continues to perfect a style that is exquisite. If he has adapted his game, as he has, to contend with his age then it has not diminished it one little bit, as he proved against Spain. He has exploited all the advantages available to him scientifically, medically, in training. Combine those with his commitment and his ambition and Ronaldo could go on and on.”

The 75-year-old further claims that Cristiano Ronaldo’s game is ‘flawless’ and the opposition cannot really find a way to stop him as there are too many ways in which the 5-time UEFA Champions League winner can hurt the team he’s playing against.

“His game is flawless. He is a brilliantly talented individual who works for the team. What can he not do? He runs and runs and runs. He can shoot, cross the ball, head the ball and strike free-kicks. He scores goals consistently and of the highest order and, like Messi, he is very rarely in trouble on the field. His temperament now seems under control. He could be petulant, extremely so, but he has learned the opposition is looking for him and generally lets them get on with it. He is their problem. They dive in and he is gone.”

To read get access for the full article, follow the link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5854267/Cristiano-Ronaldo-eclipsing-Diego-Maradona-Pele-Lionel-Messi.html

The World Cup has been interesting so far with big names such as Spain, Germany, Argentina, and Brazil struggling to get a win in their opening fixture. It could be possible that one of the names may not be able to make it past the group stage.

The games for today are as follows:

Sweden vs South Korea (13:00 CET)

Belgium vs Panama (16:00 CET)

Tunisia vs England (19:00 CET)

All the matches will be telecasted live via the official broadcasting partners of FIFA.