Wolves winger Adama Traore is tougher to mark than five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, claims Newcastle defender Jetro Willems.
The Dutchman is well placed to pass such judgement having faced two fearsome forwards with club and country.
Willems tackled Ronaldo when lining up against Portugal for the Netherlands at Euro 2012.
His most recent Premier League outing saw him face the considerable threat of Traore, with Newcastle taking in a trip to Molineux.
The 25-year-old wing-back fared admirably in that challenge, as Steve Bruce’s side took a point from a 1-1 draw.
Willems admits to having had a tough afternoon, though, with chasing the jet-heeled Traore considered to be a trickier task than trying to contain Ronaldo – despite the Juventus forward having bagged a brace for his nation in a 2-1 win for Portugal back in 2012.
“I have played against some very good players in my career, but no one quite as fast as Traore,” Willems said in the Northern Echo.
“He is unbelievable, definitely a beast. Not only is he incredibly fast, he is so, so strong as well.
“He’s known as the fastest man in football and now I know that is true. I like to think I am quite fast too – at least I did before playing against him! That was something else.
“I have played against Ronaldo, who is fast, but not that fast. Of course, he is so skilful but sometimes that is easier than being up against someone with such incredible pace.”
Willems, who is at St James’ Park on a season-long loan from Eintracht Frankfurt, added: “I played against Ronaldo in the Euros when Netherlands played Portugal.
“That was tough, but this was as tough an afternoon as I have had even though I thought I did quite well.”
Traore has been showered with praise in the 2019-20 campaign.
A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy system has taken his game to even greater heights this term.
The end product which had been lacking in the past, leading to questions of his value, has been discovered in some style.
Traore has recorded five goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, with the promise of much more to come.
Amazo19234
567
Traore is tough to mark due to his unexpected burst of speed and strength...but even that he isn't a great finisher
26201361(deleted)
452
Someone unknown from no where comparing Elephant with Ram First introduce yourself please
musbimrsy
402
I guess this defender is new to football.Back in Sporting and United this guy was a nightmare for defenders.Even in Real after he changed his playing style he destroyed many defenders.Just take a look at what he did in Sporting vs United match.Traore is doing great but Ronaldo is the goat
Nadan7
278
Right now Traore is tougher to mark than CR7 but No one will reach this level of skills of CR7 when he was at man Utd . He was a complete player that will never ever see again 😏😒
kasajooo
273
He reminds me of Rugby instead of Football. It might be true. I've only seen his game twice and he was like beast hungry for goal.
Benosky1
249
Traore should try and qualify for UCL next season so he can meet Ronaldo in Ucl and show him what he's got😂😂 Empty vessel makes the loudest noise
Ruobeinuz
237
You’re just a poor defender 🤣😂🤣🤣😂 else you should know that fast wingers could be handled well if you are glued to them before they touch the ball
didadinors
207
You wouldn't be saying this 5 years ago when Ronaldo was in his prime both physically and technically. You seem to forget he's now 34-5.
Kutbdkotyz
192
it can be true because I have seen that guy play , He is very fast and very strong but Ronaldo might not be that fast and strong but He is a killer
Special-Raider
187
If you want to know more about CR7, Ask Smalling - He has enough Tales to tell 😊😊
Special-Raider
135
My Opinion is That Lingardinho Shoots Better than Messi 🤥🤥