When this young Portuguese player arrived at Old Trafford five seasons ago everyone knew he had the ability, but no one could forescast the offensive monster he would turn as he matured into his role and Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson knew he signed quality and insisted he wore the number 7 jersey. A number that was worn by legends of the past that played for the club. Some of the names that graced the shirt are Beckham, Best and Cantona, names that are revered by Old Trafford faithfuls forever. He arrived as a lanky teenager, with white dye in his hair and tricky feet full of flair. He was known for holding up the ball and annoying his teamates and defenders with his countless foot movement that usually led to him getting tackled or running out of space. In his first season in England he made 40 appearances, scored 6 goals and 4 assists. In the following seasons he began to become more of a threat in attack, adding 3 more goals each season until he broke loose from his shackles last season when he went from 12 goals on 05/06 to a colossal 23 goals in all competitions from the midfield. That season he not only hit the back of the net but also supplied his team mates with 20 assists that pushed them to retain the Premiereship Title. This outstanding feat also earned him the player of the year award.
Ronaldo has taken a serious look at his career and has made improvements. Observing him through the seasons the first thing I noticed was he looked to small to handle premiereship football. His uncanny dribbling skills often allowed him to pass defenders but he usaully ended up being hit hard by another who had no other thoughts than to take him out. Ronaldo realized this and at the start of the 06/07 season we began to result of strenous physical training routines. Gone was the skinny gawky kid with the gaping adam's apple. In its place was a man that had a phyisique that could rival powerful centre forwards like Drogba. He now had th physical strength to handle rough tackles and the pace to continue. He has studied and practiced relentlessly to improve his shooting. His goals earlier in his English career were usually long ranged screamers from outside of the box. As he matured he added more options to his arsenal. He was given a free reign by Sir Alex to roam into a supporting striker role and he soon began to be known for precise low shots in the box. Hours spent on the training field improved his spot kick techniques and in 06/07 his name began to he placed among those who mastered the art of freekicks. This season Ronaldo graced the premiereship with two of the most accurate free kicks ever witnessed. His second one outwitted goal keeper and fellow Player of the Year nominee David James. Critics and fans have now created a discipline trying to analyse his technique.The young man like greats before him are not without controversy and low moments. Ronaldo has had overcome the death of his father, that hit him hard a saw him going through a stage in his career where he lost form. He then got in an infamous squabble with his club team mate Wayne Rooney during an International match up in the 06 World Cup that made him public enemy number one in England. He came back to England and was greeted with animousity by the English supporters. He then decided to ignore the harsh treatment he recieved and continue to improve his art of football. This soon paid off, for his success infront of the goal line soon made him a world reknowned superstar. Ronaldo then had one more berth in controversy. He soon became known to simulate fouls in order to earn free kicks and penalties. The debate is still out whether Ronaldo has refrained from using this tactic. Referees are no longer giving him the benefit of the doubt and defenders have used this as an opportunity to bring him down much to his frustration.
If last season was Ronaldo's break out season, this season could then be called the season he settles into his role as a true goal scoring machine. Gone are his many assists (23 compared to 7 this season). Ronaldo has traded in the passing role in for the mantle of top goal scorer in Europe. He now leads both domestic and European goal sheets. Ronaldo has single handedly taken Manchester United on his shoulders and has carried them on through the season. His 38 goals in all competitions surpasses the record for most goals scored from the midfield set by Man U legend the late George Best. He has scored some of the seasons best goals. Some of these goals include dipping free kicks against Bolton and Portsmouth, a stunning header against Roma, and heel flick against Aston Villa. Between March and early April Ronaldo went on an incredible run where he scored consecutively for over 6 matches. As the season draws to a close Ronaldo has the opportunity to win the Premeireship and the Champions League. The World also awaits to witness his performance representing Portugal in Euro 2008. Ronaldo's focus and determination has truly allowed him to truly perfect the art of attacking football. He has also managed to maintain a firm head despite being the apple of the eye to the media. He has a sense of confidence on the field but remains humble and remembers to acknowledge the contribution of his team mates during goal celebrations and press conferences. I look forward to watching his performances in the future, congratulations Christiano
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