Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been put on the spot – asked to name his choice, between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as the worldwide debate as to who is the better footballer continues.
Klopp says it’s Messi, but admits that it is a difficult task choosing between two great players who have ‘left their footprints for such a long time’. Both have won the 11 of the last 12 Ballon d’Or , Messi winning six and Ronaldo claiming five.
“For me Messi, but I couldn’t admire Ronaldo more than I do already,” Klopp in an interview with YouTube channel freekickerz.
“The explanation is the following. We’ve played against both already and both are almost impossible to defend.
“But Messi has much lower physical requirements from birth on. If you could paint yourself a perfect player, it would have Ronaldo’s height, he could jump and run as high or quick as Ronaldo can do. And what is then even added to that is his total attitude, it is absolutely perfect and professional, it couldn’t be any better.”
Klopp added: “And on the other side there is the small Messi who makes everything look so simple. And therefore I like him maybe a little bit more as a player on the pitch. But Cristiano is also an absolutely incredible player.
“It’s really difficult therefore, but what both have in common is that both have left their footprints for such a long time.
“There are also some younger players who have a similar potential, but to do that over this time period is even more incredible.”
