There have been plenty of experts consulted lately about Cristiano Ronaldo’s value and his remaining match-winning capabilities in this, his 21st year as a senior player.
A handful, voters for the Ballon d’Or, recognised that he still had enough to rank as the world’s 20th best footballer during 2021/22.
A day before Monday’s ceremony for the award, pundits had been opining on Ronaldo’s ostentatious grumbles at being substituted in the second half of Manchester United’s goalless draw with Newcastle United.
One expert declining to offer a critical view on Ronaldo’s importance for his club is Antonio Conte, who takes Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford Wednesday evening. “I am the last person who should answer this question,” joked the Spurs manager on being asked about Ronaldo’s current status. “Last season he scored a hat-trick against us!