Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world according to his Juventus teammate. This comes following claims by Jordi Alba and Ivan Rakitic that Messi is in a different league from other players.
Messi who put in another brilliant performance for Barcelona in their champions league win over Tottenham has been rivals with Ronaldo for the past ten years. The two have dominated world football for the past decade and there has been a debate about who is the best among the two.
Messi’s Teammate Jordi Alba claimed the Barcelona number 10 is the best and he is in a different league from other players. For me, The Best is a lie. Modric is a great player, one of the best in the world,” Alba said, via Marca.
“But Messi is like at a separate table, plays at another level. He has once again demonstrated that he is the best in the world.
“When Leo runs, the rest of us only have to grit our teeth. He is the best and he makes us all a little better.”
It is also a sentiment shared by Rakitic who is an international teammate of the best award winner Luka Modric. Speaking after the win Rakitic said “With all respect to other players who have won it [Ballon d’Or], we know there is a player who is different to the others and that is Leo Messi,” Rakitic said post-game.
“Sometimes there are circumstances like Luka Modric doing an outstanding season and maybe people want to change a bit. “But, with all respect, Luka and the others know there is a player who is different to the others, and that is Leo Messi.”
However, Ronaldo’s teammate Federico Bernardeschi has hit back at those claims saying Ronaldo is the best. Ronaldo who joined Juventus from Real Madrid last summer has made Juventus stronger and his mentality one of the reasons he is the best according to the Italy international.
“We all know Ronaldo the player and personally I’ve always considered him the best in the world.
“I’ve always preferred him to Messi. What I’ve discovered is that he’s an exceptional person, a humble lad with an extraordinary personality which he transmits to everyone. It’s infectious. It’s in that regard that I’ve always preferred him to Messi.
“I remember the final of the European Championships when he had to go off injured in the first half, but on the bench, he was an added coach.”
He added his passion for the game is also another reason why he is the best pointing how sad he was after the red card against Valencia. The Portugal International was sent off in that game and despite being a five-time winner of the competition he was reduced to tears.
Bernardeschi said “Just think about his red card against Valencia: the fact he’s won five Champions Leagues and five Ballons d’Or and cried because he was sent off tells you a lot about his passion.
“I went over to him to tell him to be calm because he’s the best in the world and I didn’t want to see him cry. He didn’t deserve it because it really was an unjust red card.
Bernardeschi also said he is delighted that Ronaldo chose to join Juventus adding that he is a great example for youngsters like him. “Having Ronaldo close is an example for the youngsters, even at a great club like Juve. You have to be intelligent, you’re training with the best player in the world and if you’re lucky enough to do that you need to try and steal a few things.
“It’s like riding a wave, he has helped me and still is. He’s an example to follow, obviously staying firm on your personality and objectives.”
Ronaldo will be back in action for Juventus when they take on Udinese in a Serie A game on Saturday evening.