2 of 26

Write now Article Tools

The number 7 shirt in the Manchester United first team has been graced by some of the greatest legends of the club. George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham...the list reads like a who's who in world football. If Cristiano Ronaldo stays on his feet and continues to be under the tutelage of Alex Ferguson, he has a realistic chance of adding his name to the list.

He has certainly improved leaps and strides since his arrival at Old Trafford. However, his ability still does not quite stand up in comparison with the true greats like Kaka and Ronaldinho. These players have flair, maturity and more importantly, efficiency. Ronaldo is still prone to being self indulgent in his play once in a while.

Judging by his potential, there is certainly no reason why he cannot improve his game to a level where he can claim to be a true great in world football. Being only 22, he has the luxury of time and energy. Physically, he has certainly strengthened up to an extent where he can match up with the likes of Essien and Drogba, a far cry from his scrawny teenage days.

If he has an edge that differentiates him from the rest of the players that aspire to be world greats, it has to be his mental strength. The turning point in his career so far was the same moment that potentially cost England a semi-final place in the 2006 World Cup. He was made the culprit in the sending off of Wayne Rooney. So concerned was he about the reaction of the English fans that he contemplated leaving Manchester United. However, he stayed on and went on to win the PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards.

Portugal manager Scolari is an admirer of Ronaldo's mental traits and sees him as a future leader of the Portugal national team. In fact, Ronaldo has already been made captain a few times during Portugal's international matches.

Skills are important when it comes to judging whether a player is the best in the world. However, sometimes we also need to look at the character of the player. More often than not, the players with the right mental attitude are the players that go far in their careers.

Learn more about this author, W.H. Garcia.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections on whether Christiano Ronaldo could be the best soccer player in the world?
We want to hear your view. Write now!