6. Cristiano Ronaldo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IyXxoyyFr8
Cristiano Ronaldos first United game as a substitute in the season opener against Bolton was undoubtedly the most exciting debut performance Ive ever seen. A few of my old team-mates were at the game and they compared him to me. There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time its been a compliment to me. - George Best, September 2003.
George Best was one of the best players to have ever kicked a football, but undoubtedly had an ego on him, so it took something special for him to concede such a raw compliment to the newest youngster to be proclaimed as his Old Trafford heir. While the former Northern Ireland international never did manage to witness the Portuguese star in his pomp, having passed away the following year, what he did see during Ronaldos debut against Bolton in August 2003 enthralled him.
He can play on either wing, beat players with ease and put in dangerous crosses with his left or right peg. When was the last time you saw that? Another thing I liked about Ronaldo against Bolton was how he dealt with the physical side. As soon as he came on, he was clattered from behind but he just got up and got on with the game, it didnt faze him at all. Thats the right attitude. Hes special, I could see that immediately. Having uncovered a little gem in Ronaldo, its hard to imagine another European Cup triumph is too far away. - George Best, September 2003.
It could have backfired tremendously for Best in sticking his neck so far out on the line for the sake of the dazzling teenager - after all, how many youngsters have faded into obscurity after a flash debut? Perhaps it takes a legendary number seven to spot another