8 OUT OF 10

Last updated : 22 March 2007 By Ed
Rene Meulensteen on Ronaldo's aim to become the best in the world.

"He's got the same attributes as Ronaldinho, a complete range of skills, and he's heading very swiftly to becoming the best player in the world.

"I asked him what his aim was and he said he wanted to win plenty of prizes with the team, and be the best player in the world. That's good. If you're going to have a dream, it had better be a big one!

"I asked him where he was on a scale of 1-10 towards reaching that goal and he wasn't sure. I told him he was at an 8. If he can add little bits to his game then 9 and 10 will come very quickly.

"But, what I think will eventually make him the best in the world is that he's got the courage to try new things on the pitch. It might not come off at first, but it will sooner or later."

Meulensteen also thinks Ronaldo is mentally tough

"It's his attitude that I like about him. He has got the mentality that he can always add to his game. He never gets complacent. He's a quick boy, a very intelligent learner. He's always trying new things.

"He's also learning the power of standing still, which is very under-rated. At the top level, defenders don't dive in. If they do, then one pass and you're gone. It's very functional, because you're standing still and then it's explosive when you move."