Gary Neville says Cristiano Ronaldo’s heading ability ‘mesmerises’ him

Add as preferred source on Google

Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his terrific heading ability at the weekend to score Manchester United’s winner against Tottenham.

Ronaldo headed in a cross from Alex Telles to score just United’s second corner of the season.

The 37-year-old showed he still has a real spring in his step, just as he did in October when he rose highest to head a late winner over Atalanta at Old Trafford.

Over the years Ronaldo has scored some terrific headed goals, famously an outstanding one for Manchester United in Rome in 2008, and another memorable one for Juventus against Sampdoria.

Arguably the most important of all was his header for Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea.

It was this part of his game which former teammate Gary Neville chose to talk up on Monday Night Football.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: “The thing that mesmerises me still is the headers. The bravery, the technique.”

Talking about his winner against Tottenham, Neville commented: “He’s off balance, but the strength, ability to rise, to hang there under challenge, and the technique to fire past the goalkeeper is incredible.

“He heads the ball like Les Ferdinand, a centre forward. He heads it better than him. It is unbelievable a player with magic in his feet is so good in the air.”

Ronaldo’s leap has been a key part of his game since his early United days, and it is to his credit that he can still produce like he can at the age of 37.

To get up off the ground and produce a header like he did on Saturday at Tottenham is not easy, and it speaks to his desire, he simply wanted it more than his opponents and made sure he got to the ball first, and with conviction.

Ronaldo even does his defensive work with his head too, as this picture below shows, while he used his head creatively to set up a United breakaway goal in the away win at Brentford back in January.

The secrets to Ronaldo’s heading ability come down to sheer hard work off the pitch working on his body and in the gym, to ensure he can reach maximum height when he lifts off, and stay there.

It is also, as Neville says, down to attitude and bravery, to put himself up there when defenders are trying to win the ball themselves, and in some cases simply unsettle or even hurt him.

Some of is about rhythm and confidence too, and it is important United supply him with chances aerially tonight against Atletico Madrid after Saturday’s success. If Ronaldo gets a chance, he will be in the mood to take it.