Since 2008, I have rated Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in world football. I will explain why later on. However, he is my idol for different reasons for that. I will explain that too.
Ronaldo has publicly thanked his childhood friend Albert Fantrau for his success. If you don't know the story, allow me to fill you in. When Sporting Lisbon scouts came to watch Ronaldo's team play, they said that the player who scored the most goals will be accepted into the academy. The team won 3-0 with Ronaldo scoring 2 and Fantrau scoring the other. At 2-0, Fantrau went 1-on-1 with the keeper, rounded him and instead of tapping the ball into an empty net, passed to Ronaldo, who scored and therefore was taken to the Sporting academy. After the match, Fantrau told Ronaldo "You're better than me." and thats why he passed. If you were to go to Albert Fantrau's address now, you'll find a gorgeous house, nice car and a very rich, unemployed man. All gifts from Cristiano. This is why I admire Ronaldo so much.
On the pitch, Ronaldo is the single most complete footballer in the world. Physically, his speed, power and endurance can be matched by noone. He is a threat with his left and right foot, as well as being an talisman in the air, no defence in the world can contain him. He revolutionised the way free kicks are struck and can make the ball do things that seem physically improbable. In recent years, his goalscoring record speaks for itself, 206 goals in 2014 games for Madrid is simply indescribable. Ronaldo has proved himself in different countries, with different teams, coaches and managers. Where his rivals struggle to make an impact at International level, he single-handedly drags Portugal to tournament after tournament. This year alone, Ronaldo has outscored every Premier League on his own, and as of today has scored 8 goals in this seasons Champions League.
If Cristiano Ronaldo does not win the Ballon D'Or this year, then I will lose what little (very little) respect I have for FiFA.
My 3 Favourite Cristiano Ronaldo Goals
3) Man Utd v Portsmouth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smnOWsLmXI8
2) Real Madrid v Sevilla
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtrdg1qMMF0
1) Porto v Man Utd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JLkI7AUFo0
It is always risky to predict the future stars in football. Injuries can hamper progression or they can simply go the same way as Francis Jeffers or Freddie Adu. However, from the extensive football I watch and follow, I have found 6 players that should be right at the top of world football in 5 to 10 years time. I have tried to choose some of the less obvious names. It doesn't take a genius to work out that Neymar and Gareth Bale with still be 'quite' good in 2018. Fingers crossed on this one!
Stephan El Sharaawy (21)
Ludicrous hair for a player with ludicrous potential, 21 year old El Sharaawy has broken into the AC Milan set up in the last 2 or 3 years. A speedy winger who possesses great skill and an eye for goal, it is hardly surprising that he has adready made it into the Italian national set up, although he tends to be used from the bench at this stage. Rumour has it that Milan are allowing El Sharaawy to leave the San Siro in the near future, and Premier League clubs such as Liverpool & Chelsea are keen. Don't go there Stephan, you're better than Liverpool and won't get played at Chelsea!
Álvaro Morata (21)
21 year old Álvaro Morata has the potential to be something really special at Real Madrid. In his tenure, José Mourinho chose to leave Morata in Real Madrid's 'Castilla' (Reserves), a decision that proved unpopular in the Spanish media. On his first full appearance for the senior team, Morata scored after 60 seconds of coming on, securing a 2-1 away win - talk about an introduction! His goalscoring record is exceptional... 45 goals in 83 appearances for Real Madrid Castilla and 11 goals in 9 games for Spain U21s. This guy has the potential to be something really special. At present he is used off the bench as a more than capable replacement for Karim Benzema, but I think he's good to start from time to time. Come on Ancelotti, take the chance on him. When Morata is the next Raul, you heard it here first!
Gerard Deulofeu (19)
You have probably heard of 19 year old Gerard Deulofeu because of his current loan spell with Roberto Martinez at Everton from Barcelona B. I would not be surprised if he is kept
at the Nou Camp long term though. Barcelona have a rich history of integrating youth team players into their first team set up, usually as back up. Look at the likes of Christian Tello and Pedro. However, should he not be kept at Barca long term, he could be a hell of a catch for other clubs. In the 2012/13 season, Deulofeu scored 18 goals in 33 appearances for Barca B, not bad considering he is an out-and-out winger. I want to see him play more for Everton, and so most probably to Barcelona. I believe he's been loaned to them to toughen him up before he comes back to become a big hit in Spain.
Zakaria Bakkali (17)
Bakkali is next on the conveyor belt of young Belgian wonderkids. Currently plying his
trade at PSV in Holland, the 17 year old is most famous for becoming the youngest Eredivisie player of all-time to score a hat-trick, at the age of 17 years and 196 days. Having scored 7 goals in 9 games for Belgium U17s, Bakkali has recently been promoted to the Belgium U21s. In this list, Bakkali is the youngest, has little first team experience and hasn't proved himself yet. But I have a feeling he will.
Raphaël Varane (20)
Having played 28 times already for the Real Madrid first team, Varane is already showing
his class and can only get better and better. I am not sure why Carlo Ancelotti chooses Pepe over Varane in honesty because I believe in the long run, he could turn out being the best central defender in the world. Standing at 6'3'', but still possessing a decent turn of pace, no striker will fancy going up against him. His height also makes him a goal threat, proven when he scored a towering header in El Clásico last year. Irritatingly, he's French.
Julien Draxler (20)
Draxler is considered as a well- rounded attacking midfielder with massive future talent,
who has the ability to be a game-changer in any given moment. He has already played for the German national team and he’s viewed as the future of the squad. He has already been linked with Chelsea, Bayern and Real Madrid in recent years, not bad all before your 21st birthday. Ze Germans speak of him very highly indeed, with good reason. Looking at the young german midfielders, to be mentioned as the future star is some accolade. I hope for his sake that he doesn't jump off the Schalke ship too early, as a move to a big club too soon could stifle his progression if he isn't a regular starter. Just what the world needs, another German wonderkid...
