By DAVIDSON ABRAHAM, Middle East
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness praised the personal achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo after the veteran striker scored his 700th club goal in Manchester United’s victory over Everton on Sunday.
Ronaldo started the match against the Toffees on the bench, but was brought on in the first-half after Anthony Martial – who was seen clutching his hip before kick-off – was forced off just before the half hour mark with an injury.
The 37-year-old came on to replace the French attacker and scored the winner by bagging his first Premier League goal of the season for the Red Devils after being played in by Casemiro on the left-hand side of the penalty area.
His left-footed finish past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was his 700th goal in club football and led to widespread praise from his manager, teammates and former players and pundits. Ex-Liverpool man Souness suggested that Ronaldo can comfortably call himself one of the greatest players in history, and even referenced Manchester City star Erling Haaland to argue his point.
“Can I just read something to you? If Ronaldo didn’t score again and Haaland continues till he’s 38, Haaland will need to score 43 goals a season for the next 16 seasons just to level Cristiano’s record,” said Souness on talkSPORT.
“43 goals a season for the next 16 years? What does that say about him? That’s why he can sit in the room with anybody who’s played football and he can say ‘you know what? I’m the best to have played football.’
“I’ve always leant towards Messi, they’re the two best ever for me, but longevity is key”
“Ronaldo has done it in the big leagues, Messi has huffed and puffed in the French league, done the business in Spain and the Champions League but Cristiano has done it in three leagues now; Spain, Italy, England.”
Sundiata Post recalls that the Real Madrid legend has made 10 appearances for United so far this term, but has only started on four occasions while scoring two goals.
