Cristiano Ronaldo has already named the hardest opponent he has ever confronted throughout his lengthy and profitable profession.
The 38-year-old, who now performs his membership soccer for Al Nassr, has had many robust battles with defenders throughout spells with Sporting Lisbon, Actual Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus.
In his early profession, Ronaldo would terrorise defenders along with his direct working, fast toes and distinctive dribbling fashion, earlier than adapting his sport to turn into a whole centre ahead lately.
His second spell at United noticed him web 16 targets in his solely full Premier League season. He’s nonetheless smashing within the targets with Al Nassr within the Saudi Professional League, scoring 20 targets in 20 video games since his arrival in January.
His change of function and place lately has seen him come up in opposition to a spread of defenders and types – however there was one Premier League star that all the time stood out for Ronaldo.
The participant in query is Ashley Cole, believed by many to be the best left-back of the Premier League period with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Ronaldo confronted as much as the England legend when he performed for each golf equipment, and when he confronted the Three Lions with Portugal.
Since retirement, the previous defender has had teaching roles with England U21, Derby and Everton.
Ronaldo defined how Cole was the hardest opponent he ever confronted.
Chatting with Coach Magazine, he mentioned: “Over time I had some nice battles with Ashley Cole. He doesn’t provide you with a second to breathe.
“He was such a tenacious participant when he was at his peak, fast, robust within the deal with. You knew it will by no means be a straightforward sport.”
Shortly after signing for Chelsea in 2006, Cole confronted off in opposition to Ronaldo, and his efficiency went an extended technique to displaying why the Portugal icon discovered it so troublesome to play him.
Cole recalled to Chelsea TV: “I used to be so centered on that sport. Even within the altering room I simply felt totally different going into this sport.
“My focus and focus – mentally I used to be on it. I got here to point out him the road quite a bit as a result of I sort of fancied my probabilities up in opposition to him with my tempo.
“And a bit little bit of mentality really. I believe I acquired in his head just a few occasions. He all the time wished that additional trick.”
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