Ronaldo deserves tag as best in world

(CNN) -- Every promising Manchester United winger since the mid-1970s has been labeled the 'new George Best' -- a wholly unfair tag, not just to the player concerned but to the late great Northern Irish international who dazzled the world with the quickest feet the modern game has ever seen.

To those who saw Best in his prime, comparing anybody to him has proved to be sheer folly.

But fans and commentators alike crave new superstars and comparisons are only natural, no matter how inaccurate they may or may not be.

Well for once those comparisons have come true, for United now have their modern day 'Best' and -- whisper it quietly -- there are many who believe that the current No.7 even surpasses that ultimate superstar of the sixties.

To put it bluntly, Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer currently playing the game.

The Portuguese international, once derided in his adopted country for helping to get United teammate Wayne Rooney sent off in a vital international match, and for a propensity to go to ground far too easily, is having the sort of season that is almost too unbelievable for words.

His tally of 31 league goals has equalled Alan Shearer's 38-game record from the 1995-96 season but, of course, Shearer was an out-and-out striker. In fact, add the 10 goals he has scored in Europe and domestic cup matches, then Ronaldo has a record of 41 from 47 matches this season.

Ronaldo has pace, power, strength, skill and bravery. He is the ultimate complete player. He can beat an opponent going inside or outside, has a deadly eye in front of goal and is sensational in the air, as his many headed goals this season testify.

Then there are his free-kicks, sensationally delivered in a totally unique style, chopping down on the ball with his foot to create a movement that has left goalkeepers completely baffled.

His supreme talent leaves Manchester United on the brink of a Premier League/ Champions League double -- with only Chelsea standing in his way in Moscow.

Individually, the 23-year-old has already lifted both the PFA Player of the Year awards and the Football Writers' honour -- a double he also achieved last year as well on his way to scoring 17 goals as United won their first Premier League title in three seasons.

Last year he came second in the European Footballer of the Year list and third in the World Player of the Year, both awards he is expected to win this season.

Real Madrid and Barclona would both love to have the player in their ranks, and the United management and fans must worry that eventually Ronaldo will want to return to the sunshine and climate of his roots.

In the meantime, they can rejoice in watching Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro in action, the rightful successor to the legend that was George Best.