There can be few English Premiership managers more qualified to give an appraisal of Cristiano Ronaldo's burgeoning talent than Steve Coppell. Having spent eight years as a player at Old Trafford, during which he represented England 42 times and was one of the most gifted right wingers of his generation, the Reading manager speaks with authority when he claims Ronaldo could go on to become one of the best players in Manchester United's history.
Coppell has not seen Ronaldo play live since the Portuguese impressed at the Madejski Stadium earlier in the season - when he scored United's equaliser in a 1-1 draw - but TV footage over the Christmas period has provided a reminder of the threat his side will encounter when they visit Old Trafford tomorrow. Reading travel in confident mood following their impressive point at Chelsea on St Stephen's Day, but Coppell is aware the Premiership's in-form player lies in wait.
Four goals in the games against Aston Villa last Saturday and Wigan on St Stephen's Day have underlined the quality of Ronaldo's form since he returned from the World Cup, reviled as the man who sealed England's fate in the quarter-finals against Portugal.
The similarities between Coppell and Ronaldo do not stretch beyond their footballing positions, but the off-the-field differences do not prevent the Reading manager from paying tribute.
From Ronaldo's artistry on the flank and penetrative running through the middle to his brute strength which brushes opponents aside and his goalscoring prowess, Coppell waxes effusive.
"Not only is he a terrific player but he is also a huge physical specimen as well. He must be almost 6ft 3in and between 13 and 14 stone. He's unique in the way he controls the ball. He's quick, left foot, right foot . . . the list is endless."
Asked whether the 21-year-old could become a United great, the Reading manager replied: "Very much so. He is the current player, more than any other, who is right at the top end of his game."
That form has not prevented Ronaldo from being subjected to vitriolic receptions countrywide, his antics at the World Cup following Wayne Rooney's dismissal in the quarter-final, and a reputation for diving, still preceding him.
Coppell thinks the gamesmanship will go from his repertoire. "That comes with maturity," he says. "You react to the response of everybody around - whether it be the crowd, peer pressure or just common sense, sometimes seeing yourself on TV."
A combination of those factors, together with the Alex Ferguson effect, seems to have helped clean up Ronaldo's act this season.
Coppell, recalling a conversation with Ferguson last year, believes winning matches has prevented the United manager from ageing - "He said what all managers know: it's losing that makes you old in football" - although he might also have noted that watching players like Ronaldo also helps keep grey hairs away.
Coppell will not be standing back in admiration tomorrow, however, but when he is in front of his television in the evening he is likely to spend a few minutes marvelling at his fellow right winger's display.
"You can almost guarantee every week that you will see some kind of trick that he will do on the ball which no one else appears to do," he adds. "His qualities are endless and, potentially, he is the best player in football at the moment."
Guardian Service
