Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who takes his men to Rome next week to face Catalan giants Barcelona in the Champions League final, has picked out two of the key protagonists of the contest as the finest players in the world.
United forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's diminutive maestro Lionel Messi have been highlighted by the Scotsman, who thinks that the two players lead the world in terms of their skills, and capacity to decisively alter the outcome of games. But Ferguson has also elected to highlight the work ethic of the two men - a concept that stretches beyond what is seen during matches.
"There are some players, such as Kaka, Messi and Ronaldo who are innately gifted," Ferguson told the UEFA publication The Technician.
"But this is not enough, and there is a practice element which becomes very important.
"If you watch Cristiano Ronaldo, he practises after every squad training session, and quite a few others do the same.
"As a coach, we dedicate parts of the training to improving touch, movement, passing and speed of play, but the special quality, the detail, depends on the player being willing to sacrifice himself after training - this is a hallmark of the great players.
"If the big talents only rely on their natural ability, they won't have that extra edge. They must do something extra on their own.
"When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top level and, although he has never really taken my breath away, Kaka has impressed."
But Ferguson also found time to praise another legend of the game, and this time one who operates in a defensive capacity, praising legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini for his ability, conduct and sheer longevity.
"He has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism, and although not the world's greatest technically, he has influenced all the AC Milan teams during his wonderfully successful era - a truly marvellous player," he added.
As for the competition which the United manager believes represents the most exciting contest, the Scot opted for the Champions League over the World Cup, stating,"There are many good games at the World Cup, but in general the quality in the big UEFA Champions League games is, in my view, higher.
"I think that, overall, the UEFA Champions League is hard to beat when it comes to consistency, quality and drama.
"The World Cup, of course, is every four years, and big changes always take place with the departure of many players and coaches and continuity then suffers."
United face Barcelona in the Champions League final next Wednesday, May 27.
Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi Are The Best Players In The World
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who takes his men to Rome next week to face Catalan giants Barcelona in the Champions League final, has picked out two of the key protagonists of the contest as the finest players in the world.
United forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's diminutive maestro Lionel Messi have been highlighted by the Scotsman, who thinks that the two players lead the world in terms of their skills, and capacity to decisively alter the outcome of games. But Ferguson has also elected to highlight the work ethic of the two men - a concept that stretches beyond what is seen during matches.
"There are some players, such as Kaka, Messi and Ronaldo who are innately gifted," Ferguson told the UEFA publication The Technician.
"But this is not enough, and there is a practice element which becomes very important.
"If you watch Cristiano Ronaldo, he practises after every squad training session, and quite a few others do the same.
"As a coach, we dedicate parts of the training to improving touch, movement, passing and speed of play, but the special quality, the detail, depends on the player being willing to sacrifice himself after training - this is a hallmark of the great players.
"If the big talents only rely on their natural ability, they won't have that extra edge. They must do something extra on their own.
"When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top level and, although he has never really taken my breath away, Kaka has impressed."
But Ferguson also found time to praise another legend of the game, and this time one who operates in a defensive capacity, praising legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini for his ability, conduct and sheer longevity.
"He has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism, and although not the world's greatest technically, he has influenced all the AC Milan teams during his wonderfully successful era - a truly marvellous player," he added.
As for the competition which the United manager believes represents the most exciting contest, the Scot opted for the Champions League over the World Cup, stating,"There are many good games at the World Cup, but in general the quality in the big UEFA Champions League games is, in my view, higher.
"I think that, overall, the UEFA Champions League is hard to beat when it comes to consistency, quality and drama.
"The World Cup, of course, is every four years, and big changes always take place with the departure of many players and coaches and continuity then suffers."
United face Barcelona in the Champions League final next Wednesday, May 27.
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