Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma has named former Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player he has faced, ahead of Lionel Messi.
Lerma faced Messi while at Levante in Spain but says his battles against Ronaldo, then of United, while plying his trade in England were his toughest.
He faces another superstar, Mohamed Salah, in Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Liverpool. The 29-year-old says he relishes coming up against the top players, including Ronaldo, and hailed the qualities they possess.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Lerma was asked which player was the best he has faced in his career. READ MORE: United star pinpoints Ronaldo trait that puts him above Messi READ MORE: Ronaldo asks referee to overturn penalty he won “It’s very difficult to say [who’s the best I’ve faced] but probably Cristiano Ronaldo,” he stated. “They’re totally different but they’re all at the top of their game for a reason: they work hard, and that’s why they’re so successful.” Lerma added: “I’ve been lucky enough to come up against some of the biggest stars, Messi and Ronaldo in their best moments. “That’s given me more experience to come up against such good players.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk