At a club where egos are almost as big as the pay packets, Karim Benzema’s suggestion that Ronaldo – the original Brazilian version – was a better player than his current Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to ruffle a few feathers.
Benzema said on Goal:
“When I was younger, the way the Brazilian Ronaldo played had an influence on me.
“For me he’s the best striker and the best player of all-time.
“I watch videos of him, and try to do what he does, but it’s not easy. It’s impossible to pull off the same moves as he did.”
Benzema: Brazil's Ronaldo the best ever https://t.co/ofG75WJQ5o pic.twitter.com/lfGyobAnHU
— Goal (@goal_intl) February 15, 2016
For those of you too young to remember, Ronaldo the Brazilian was a striker of the very highest pedigree who enjoyed a glittering career that took off at Dutch side PSV and included Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Like his contemporary namesake, he won the coveted Ballon d’Or three times but was also part of his country’s winning World Cup squad in 1994.
Both have – or had – incredibly quick feet, lightning pace and are – or were – lethal in the penalty area but that’s where the similarity ends.
Cristiano is a supreme athlete as well as a phenomenal footballer. He is brilliant in the air and possesses a devastating strike from distance with either foot.
His rival was also capable of the spectacular and was, in our opinion, the better and more natural finisher.
Perhaps the passing of time and the fading memories have somewhat played a part but for our money, Cristiano Ronaldo takes the honours.
Do you agree? Who would you rather have in your team at their peak?
—–
Football Advisor – bet with confidence.
