Rio Ferdinand believes team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is currently
the best player in Europe.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a truly memorable season and has been one of
the main reasons for Manchester United's assault on the
Premiership, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup this term.
The Portuguese ace has scored 18 goals and is tipped to win both
the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year awards for his
performances this year.
Ferdinand also believes the skilful winger could win the European
Player of the Year prize as he has enjoyed such a remarkable
campaign for club and country.
"Cristiano has certainly been the best player in Europe," Ferdinand
told the newspaper.
"There is no doubt in my mind he will win both domestic awards, but
I think he will clean up on the awards front - including the
European prizes.
"No-one has produced the kind of football he has produced on a
regular basis and there is no other player as exciting as
him.
"Ronaldinho hasn't done it and Samuel Eto'o has been injured a
lot.
"Didier Drogba has been very good for Chelsea but he doesn't get
you off your seat like Cristiano does and I don't think as many
people would pay to watch him."
Ferdinand also hailed Ronaldo for showing the strength in character
to overcome the adversity he faced in England after his
much-publicised reaction to Wayne Rooney's sending-off against
Portugal in last summer's World Cup.
"He went through a lot last summer after the World Cup," added
Ferdinand.
"When difficult circumstances arise you are able to gauge a
person's personality and see how they react.
"The best players respond in adverse situations by putting in good
performances and that is what Cristiano has done.
"The fact he has come back and performed to a consistently high
level throughout the season demands a lot of respect and all the
plaudits that have been showered on him are well deserved."
