Ronaldo: The best player on the planet?

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Portuguese legend Eusebio believes his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo is destined to be crowned World Player of the Year in December.

The Manchester United superstar bagged 42 goals in all competitions last season, helping the Red Devils to the Premier League title and UEFA Champions League crown.

He failed to replicate those heroics during Euro 2008 and became embroiled in a long-running transfer saga over the summer involving Spanish giants Real Madrid.

However, having decided to remain at Old Trafford, and fully recovered from an ankle operation, he is showing no ill-effects since returning to the United fold and has quickly rediscovered his eye for goal.

Praise

He appears to be the clear favourite to be named the best player on the planet at the end of the year, with Eusebio adamant the 23-year-old is head and shoulders above his rivals for the honour.

"Officially, the best player is Kaka," Eusebio told Uefa's official website.

"However, I believe today that Cristiano is the best without any doubt.

"I have always said that he has everything it takes to become the best player in the world."

Advice

Having become a global icon there is a fear that Ronaldo may let the adulation go to his head, but Eusebio is confident those who know him best will steer him in the right direction.

"I always believed that he would stay in Manchester," said Eusebio.

"Depending on his condition and whether his head is in the right place, I think he can get better, because with every year that passes he will gain experience and he'll know how to improve on the pitch.

"He must not forget that he will have to work a lot in terms of pace and ball control, and he is actually good in this respect.

"Therefore, the advice I always give him is that he needs to keep forging ahead in a straight line. Then he will definitely go a long way."