Cristiano Ronaldo Can Still Score 20 Goals in the Premi

Cristiano Ronaldo Can Still Score 20 Goals in the Premier League, Says Andy Cole…read more

Cristiano Ronaldo may be 39 years old, but Manchester United legend Andy Cole firmly believes the Portuguese superstar could still score 20 goals in the Premier League, even as he approaches his 40th birthday. Despite being at the tail end of his playing career, Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency, physicality, and commitment to excellence continue to impress former players and pundits alike. For Cole, Ronaldo’s ability to maintain his incredible goal-scoring record, even in the later stages of his career, is a testament to his work ethic and professionalism.

Ronaldo’s career has been nothing short of legendary, and his Premier League record speaks for itself. During his first spell at Manchester United, he scored 31 goals in the 2007-08 season, claiming the prestigious Golden Boot and establishing himself as one of the best players in the world. He went on to achieve 17 and 18 goals in the next two seasons, before securing another 18 goals in the 2021-22 Premier League season upon his return to Old Trafford. However, his tally of 18 was just shy of the 20-goal mark. Despite his age, Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down, even in a new environment with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. In fact, the forward hit an incredible 50 goals across all competitions during the 2023 season for the Saudi club, underscoring that his goal-scoring abilities are far from diminishing.

When asked if Ronaldo could still cut it in the Premier League, Cole’s response was emphatic: “Cristiano Ronaldo is so special. He has an unbelievable work rate, attitude, everything about him is absolutely phenomenal. I have nothing but admiration for him. Any young kid who wants to be a professional football player shouldn’t look any further than him. He is everything young kids should aspire to be. His level of work rate, consistency, and hunger to improve year on year is unmatched.”

Cole’s praise highlights Ronaldo’s relentless desire to maintain his fitness and technical skills, traits that have kept him at the top of the game for over two decades. It is this work ethic, alongside his innate talent, that has allowed Ronaldo to continue playing at an elite level well into his 30s. “He is the ultimate professional,” Cole adds. “If kids don’t want to be like him as a footballer, then they should retire already.”

Given Ronaldo’s extraordinary career, Cole is confident that the veteran striker would still score 20 goals in the Premier League if given the chance. “Would he still score 20 goals in the Premier League? Definitely. He’ll always score goals because he has that quality. He’s just a monster, an absolute phenomenon,” Cole says. For Cole, Ronaldo’s ability to adapt and evolve his game is key to his longevity and continued success. Despite being in the twilight years of his career, Ronaldo’s footballing intelligence and clinical finishing have kept him at the top of his game, and he continues to be a lethal presence in front of goal.

Ronaldo’s rivalry with Lionel Messi has been one of the most captivating storylines in football over the past two decades. While both players have dominated the global football scene, there has always been speculation about what might have happened if Messi had chosen to play in the Premier League. Would Messi have been as successful in England as Ronaldo? For Cole, there’s little doubt that the Argentine legend would have thrived in the English top-flight. “Would Lionel Messi have scored 50 goals in a Premier League season at his peak? Why not?” Cole asks. “When you get players like Lionel Messi, with the talent they have, they make sure they are constantly improving at all the clubs they play for as well as their country. Messi would’ve done exactly that in the Premier League.”

Both Ronaldo and Messi have set new standards in world football with their extraordinary goal-scoring feats, individual accolades, and longevity. Despite their contrasting playing styles, both players have proven to be adaptable and capable of maintaining high levels of performance in different environments. While Ronaldo has demonstrated his ability to thrive in the Premier League, Messi, though never playing in England, has consistently proven his brilliance in other top leagues, including La Liga and Ligue 1.

As they near the end of their respective careers, it’s clear that both players have left an indelible mark on the game. Their rivalry has transcended club football, captivating fans around the world and sparking debates about who is the greatest of all time. Whether or not they ever face off in the Premier League, both Ronaldo and Messi will go down as two of the most iconic players to ever play the game.

For Andy Cole, there is no question about the impact that Ronaldo could still have in the Premier League, and he believes that the Portuguese forward would continue to deliver the goals that have made him one of the most prolific scorers in football history. With his relentless work ethic, unmatched professionalism, and inherent talent, Cristiano Ronaldo will forever remain a force to be reckoned with, regardless of the league in which he plays.