Why Ronaldo should win the Ballon D’or

“He’s six foot something, fit as a flea, good looking – he’s got to have something wrong with him…” And that’s just Ian Holloway’s opinion of him. Cristiano Ronaldo is a tricky character not just on the park but as a neutral I look at him before some of the big games and see a man silenced by nerves as the Champions League music plays. While we are shaking the bed sheets just the mere sight of him has got the opposition shaking in the boots.

Ronaldo is a phenomenal talent but he is surrounded by some of the biggest names in football today and from the past. Yet when Portugal went to Sweden in the World Cup Play offs it wasn’t just country taking on country, it was superstar taking on superstar. Ibrahimovic against Ronaldo. And with 2 superb goals to 3 tremendous goals. Portugal not only going to the World Cup but so is the worlds best player.

Being in the shadow of Lionel Messi for so long must have snapped something in Ronaldo’s mind. Being a great player is one thing but being the best is another, with Messi out with an injury there’s no better chance for him to showcase what he can do. And so far this season it looks like he is only getting better. Was anyone ever sure that was possible?

Sir Alex Ferguson described Ronaldo: “Cristiano Ronaldo was the most gifted player I managed. He surpassed all the other great ones I coached at United. And I had many.”

The now assistant manager at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, a one time Ballon d’or winner, has possibly paid Ronaldo the greatest compliment of all by saying, “He does fantastic things, at times even better then me. Only great players can score such a magnificent goal three minutes into a game. He makes a difference. Some players are different from the rest because they do what others can’t.”

Since he signed up at Manchester United I have not really liked Cristiano because of his arrogance and how he conducts himself on the park sometimes. The ability this god-like player has is unplayable at times. Celtic’s Mikael Lustig said the same after the recent clash with Sweden while on international duty. And when Ronaldo gets into positions anywhere around the box one on one with a defender you know he is going to score.

Even Ronaldo’s greatest rival, Messi, has been getting in on praising the Portuguese winger, “He is always there scoring goals in all the games and taking part in his club and national side, he has been doing that for many years and whether he is at his peak or a bit below it makes no difference.”

It is not long now before the Ballon d’or will be awarded to one player. And most people will have their money on the amazing Cristiano Ronaldo. I wouldn’t bet against him. With sublime skill and an eye for a goal or two I’m sure he won’t let anyone down.