Cristiano Ronaldo's toughest opponent reveals the key to stopping him

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is one of the greatest goalscorers in history with a ‘quality’ right foot that has pulverized defenses.

Ashley Cole used to adopt an aggressive approach on Cristiano Ronaldo that would limit the Portuguese’s space on the pitch and time on the ball.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea star was regarded as the world’s best left-back at his peak. Even Ronaldo held respect and named him as the toughest defender he has ever faced throughout his own career in 2018.

The forward faced Cole 14 times with Manchester United and the Portuguese national team. He scored just three goals in those games and ended up on the losing side eight times (W3 D3).

"The toughest defender I've faced? Ashley Cole. He didn't give you a second to breathe. He was a tough, quick player."

– Cristiano Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/tcbpZ195yk

— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) October 28, 2016

But while Cole impressed a great deal during his memorable battles with Ronaldo, he held a great deal of respect for the star and his right foot – which he rates as the best he’s ever seen.

“I was going to say David Beckham here, because I think he could put a ball on a sixpence, but I think I will go for Ronaldo,” the former left-back told Goal.

“Ronaldo could go inside and out. Also, the quality of his right foot, the quality of his shooting from every angle and different ranges, the quality of his free-kicks with the bend he could get on the ball, he was fantastic.

“He was one you just couldn’t give any space to. So, it was about being on the front foot, being aggressive and trying to get out to him and not let him get his head up and start doing the stepovers.

“It was about understanding that ‘I can’t let balls go in behind me.’ I had to allow them go to his feet, but get out quick to him and stop him at source.”

Cole also performed very well against Lionel Messi during his Champions League games against Barcelona for Chelsea.