Manchester United Star Who Foiled Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Ambitions Hails Him As the Best Player Ever Faced
Follow Us
Naming Cristiano Ronaldo as his toughest opponent was a key highlight of Chelsea legend Ashley Cole‘s English Premier League Hall of Fame inducement speech. Recently, Manchester United star, Sofyan Amrabat, who faced Ronaldo in the Italian League, revealed he thinks along the same lines as Cole. Interestingly, this admission comes from the Morocco international, despite having the better of the CR7-led Portuguese team when it mattered the most.
Amrabat recently had a free-wheeling conversation with Manchester United fans in a Q&A session. During the interaction, an Australian fan asked the midfielder, who was the best player he had ever faced. “I’d say, Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Amrabat in response, as compiled by MUFC’s website. Amrabat faced Ronaldo in the Serie A four times during his stints with Hellas Verona and Fiorentina. Meanwhile, CR7 was with Juventus in all those games. The Moroccan midfielder has won twice, lost once, and drew once against the Al Nassr skipper in those meetings.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Why has Sofyan Ambrabat rated Cristiano Ronaldo so high, despite boasting a better winning record against him? It is perhaps because the 5x Ballon d’Or winner conveniently outclassed Amrabat and Co. in their first meeting. During the 2019-20 season, Ronaldo scored once and contributed an assist in Juventus’ 2-1 win over Hellas Verona. Anyhow, the Portuguese veteran failed to hold his ground against Amrabat’s Morocco side in the 2022 World Cup, thereby exiting the coveted competition in the quarter-finals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When Amrabat and Co. ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup run
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a forgetful tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo. The then-Portuguese coach Fernando Santos benched Ronaldo during the RO16 tie against Switzerland. Similarly, the skipper did not start against Morocco in the quarter-finals of the tournament. Portugal conceded an early goal against Morocco. Minutes later, CR7 stepped in for the 2016 UEFA Euro winners. But he misfired and painfully watched the game wither away from his team. At the final whistle, Amrabat and co. cruised into their first-ever semi-final appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Ronaldo left the pitch in tears.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Cristiano Ronaldo Puts Al Hilal on Notice With Verdict on Al Nassr’s Title Chase
April 28, 2024 08:46 PM EDT
Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality
March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?
July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT
Playing With Lionel Messi Is ‘Not Easy’, Inter Miami Teammate Makes Honest Revelation
April 29, 2024 05:54 PM EDT
How Good Is Arne Slot? Career Stats Explored as Liverpool Reaches Agreement- Trophies, Win-Loss Record, Teams Coached & More
April 27, 2024 08:32 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Amrabat notably joined the Moroccan side despite being eligible to also play for the Netherlands. The Dutch side is, on any given day, a safer bet than the Moroccan team at the World Cup. However, the Manchester United man chose his homeland and did them proud in Qatar. He had been at the center of Morocco’s action with decisive passes and game-changing tackles in the tournament. What do you think of Sofyan Amrabat’s statement on Ronaldo? Tell us in the comments.
Written by:
Edited by:
Sreeda U M