Former goalkeeper, Roman Weidenfeller, has pinpointed why Cristiano Ronaldo is ahead of Lionel Messi.
He said the Portuguese’s relentless work ethic and confidence make him better than his Argentine football rival.
He said that Ronaldo is better than all the strikers he has faced and named him as his toughest opponent.
Speaking to The Hindu, via Goal, the former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper said he had always found it hard to face the Portugal international.
He added that the Al Nassr captain has continued to prove himself in Saudi Arabia, too.
He said, “Cristiano Ronaldo was incredibly difficult to read because of his relentless work ethic and confidence.
“I played against him many times, at Real Madrid and later at Juventus. I also faced Robert Lewandowski, who was my team-mate at Dortmund before he moved to Bayern Munich.
“I’ve played against many strong strikers, like Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, and others. But Ronaldo stands out. He’s always the first in the dressing room…”
According to the German, Ronaldo’s dedication to the sport he has played for many years now has kept him at the top for so long.
The former goalkeeper acknowledged that the Portuguese has continued to do well in Saudi Arabia, where he laces his boots for Al Nassr in the Pro League.
Ronaldo and Weidenfeller came up against each other six times, with the Portuguese winning twice, while losing as many times.
Transfermarkt reports that the goalkeeper has never faced Messi.
