In an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo named three players at the club who he admires.
The Portuguese recently exhibited contempt toward manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners, and there are reports that his contract may be terminated soon.
In the same interview, the 37-year-old also spoke about the professionalism of current youngsters and said that they don’t have the same hunger and mentality.
He added that Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro are three players he admires at the club for their professionalism on and off the playing field.
“Diogo Dalot is young but incredibly professional,” he told Piers Morgan Uncensored. I have no doubt that he will have a long career in football. There are a few people who look like him, most notably [Lisandro] Martinez, and Casemiro is in his thirties.”
Dalot was a squad member at the start of last season until leapfrogging Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order in the second half.
Ten Hag has persisted with him at right back, and we’ve witnessed a significant development from the Portuguese. He is now putting up a steady performance.
Goal recently hailed him as an unstoppable player, and he surely is. He has started 20 of United’s 21 games this season, missing only one due to suspension.
Martinez, meanwhile, has been a revelation under Ten Hag. The Argentine arrived in the Premier League with a strong reputation from Ajax.
His concentration and ability to win boxing duels have been outstanding. Along with Dalot, he should be a strong contender for the club’s Player of the Year award.
Casemiro’s qualities are well-known from his time at Real Madrid. He had a difficult start to his United career with cameo roles but has been a regular starter since October.
The Brazilian has excelled at tackling and recovering the ball. He still has to work on his ball control, but he has shown greater confidence in front of the defense.
