Ronaldo is the best in Europe, says Larsson

Henrik Larsson has hailed his Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as Europe’s top player, ranking him above even former Barcelona colleague Ronaldhino. Larsson has spent only two-and-a-half weeks training and playing with Ronaldo, 21, but said he has been amazed by what he has seen.

United yesterday had a £20million bid for Owen Hargreaves turned down by Bayern Munich. But Larsson believes Ronaldo is in such stunning form that even missing out on England midfielder Hargreaves will not stop United winning the Premiership.

Larsson said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the Premier League and in the whole of Europe. The things I have seen him do since I have been in Manchester have been incredible, amazing. It is just like a total show in training and even in the matches.

"This kid will one day arrive at the very top in the world of football — if he isn’t there already — because of the fact that he makes the most difficult plays look easy. I know both him and Ronaldhino and have now played with both of them. And Ronaldo is top in Europe at the moment.

"But Cristiano and Ronaldinho in the same team would be like a bomb. It would be an incredible spectacle for the people. What’s more, I am totally convinced the two are able to play in the same side."

Larsson’s dream team could have been a reality had United manager Sir Alex Ferguson succeeded in bringing Brazil star Ronaldhino to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain three-and-half years ago.

But the 35-year-old Swede believes United are good enough to win this year’s title anyway. He has already set his sights on demoralising Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow, just as he did in helping Barcelona beat them in last season’s Champions League Final.

Larsson said: "United are the best team in England and at the moment they are superior to Chelsea, who have suffered a descent in comparison to the last year. For me each match with Manchester United is a challenge and a dream. I have scored in the FA Cup and now my desire is to savour a goal in the league, too. That is my immediate objective. A goal in Arsenal’s stadium would be magnificent for me. I am very excited about this experience with Manchester United. I had heard all the stories about this club but now I am living on the inside and it is spectacular. It is probably the best club in the world."

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