Dani Alves names Cristiano Ronaldo as his toughest opponent
The Barcelona legend played versus Ronaldo in a host of memorable El Clasicos.
Dani Alves has named ‘scoring machine’ Cristiano Ronaldo as the toughest opponent he’s faced during his illustrious career.
Alves ripened into one of the weightier full-backs of all-time during his first spell at Barca between 2008 and 2016.
He arrived at Camp Nou a year surpassing Ronaldo made his sensational switch to Real Madrid from Manchester United.
The transfer started one of football’s most iconic rivalries between CR7 and Lionel Messi. But Messi wasn’t the player who was tasked with stopping the Portuguese superstar when Barca faced their arch-rivals.
Alves believes he did a decent job of executive Ronaldo but admits the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was the toughest opponent he’s faced.
“Cristiano Ronaldo. This b****** doesn’t let you outbreathe for a second. I didn’t do too badly, but it’s difficult. He’s a scoring machine.”
Ronaldo left Real Madrid with a staggering record of 450 goals in 438 games. His incredible individual records and team trophies make him a prime candidate for the Greatest of All Time title. However, Alves considers neither Ronaldo nor Messi as the GOAT.
“I segregate Pele for one reason: he reverted football,” Alves explained.
“Messi reverted a generation. All those people who are increasingly than football, I’m going to segregate them. And besides, I’m Brazilian.
“For me, Pele should not be part of this debate. If you ask me, who is the weightier player in history? I would say, Messi. Pele doesn’t come into it.”
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