Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says Portuguese great is an example for all football stalwarts; stresses on the need to keep Real star quiet tonight
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is a phenomenon and an example to anyone due to his immense levels of professionalism, according to Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino. Ronaldo will go up against Pochettino's Spurs tonight at Wembley, as Real Madrid look to improve upon their 1-1 draw with the Premier League side at the Santiago Bernabeu. It was Ronaldo who scored Madrid's goal when the two sides last met, and he will be eager to catch the eye as he returns to England, where he excelled for Manchester United between 2003 and 2009. Since leaving United, Ronaldo has continued to excel in Madrid and won The Best FIFA Men's Player for a second year running recently. And Pochettino is adamant his talent and professionalism make him worthy of such an award.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo scored against Tottenham Hotspur when the two sides met in Madrid last month. Pic/Getty images
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'Cristiano deserves award'
"He's a phenomenon," Pochettino was quoted saying by Goal.com. "He has been awarded 'The Best' and the truth is that he deserves it. "In addition to his qualities as a professional, he is an example. He never tires of repeating that the secret is to work hard, to strive, to take care of himself. Every player should apply it."
Pochettino even compared Spurs striker Harry Kane to Ronaldo in terms of his attitude: "I do not know Cristiano in depth, but he gives me the same feeling as Harry. "They are very similar in terms of professionalism. They understand that we must strive to achieve success. He [Kane] has a similar mentality."
Kane fit to play
Pochettino has declared himself very confident Kane will be fit enough to face Real Madrid.
Kane took part in training yesterday morning and showed no visible sign of the hamstring injury that kept him out of Saturday's defeat at Manchester United. The striker was able to complete some short sprints and basic passing drills at Hotspur Way while at one point he made a hand gesture appearing to suggest he felt fine.
"We're very confident," Pochettino said. "He's on the list. Maybe it's possible for him to play but I don't want to say 100 per cent. He trained today but it is important we make the right decision."
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