Cristiano Ronaldo was my best team-mate, says Xabi Alonso
ByFootballEspana
Updated 22/11/2014 at 11:28 GMT
Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo remains his best-ever team-mate in football.
Cristiano Ronaldo (C) is congratulated by teammates Xavi Alonso (L) and Gareth Bale (R, obscured) after scoring against Sevilla during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, March 26, 2014 (Reuters)
Image credit: Reuters
The playmaker reportedly caused controversy this week by implying that one of his Bayern Munich colleagues should win the 2014 Ballon d'Or, but he has now clarified his thoughts about the Portuguese superstar.
“I said recently if Manuel Neuer or another German player won the Ballon d'Or, it would be fair as they won the World Cup,” he told the Daily Mail.
“But if Ronaldo wins it again, it would also be fair for the season he had, winning the Champions League. He is the best player I have played with.
“It is difficult to copy Real Madrid as not every team has those players who can run with such explosion, like Ronaldo.
“[Winning the Champions League] is one of the targets of the club and, personally, it would be a great achievement.
“I would never have dreamed I could be this close but I think we have a good enough team to fight for all the titles.
“It will be difficult as you are fighting against Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, PSG, Juventus. Top clubs in Europe. We will see if we meet the challenge.”
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Suspended Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid reacts ahead of extra time during the UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio da Luz on May 24, 2014 in Lisbon, Portugal (Getty)
Image credit: Getty Images
Alonso then reflected on his achievements with Spain and felt that their 'strong spine' and dominant midfield was the key to their success.
“We had a strong spine. It wasn't about one man,” he added.
“It started with Iker [Casillas]. He was key in at Euro 2008, then the World Cup, as was [Carles] Puyol. Then there was Sergio Ramos...
“When Sergio is on top of his game mentally, he's one of the best. In midfield we had [David] Silva, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, myself. Playing with so many midfielders was our strength.
“We didn't have great players in one-against-one situations. It took a lot of short passes to create the last chance. When we did, we had David Villa and Fernando Torres, who were on top form.”
Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football
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