6 players who stopped both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Ashley Cole vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Cole was one of the toughest opponents in Ronaldo's career

Long before Ashley Cole conquered Messi, he did the same with Cristiano Ronaldo. During the Portuguese star’s first stint at Manchester United, he had many encounters with the English full-back. While on some occasions it was Ronaldo who prevailed, there were also occasions when Cole got the better of him. Cole not only tormented Cristiano during that time, he also did so when Portugal faced England.

When Cristiano first burst onto the scene as a pacy winger with a bag full of tricks, he destroyed Cole, who at the time plied his trade at Arsenal. However, the left-back got his revenge after his move to Chelsea, neutralizing the threat of Ronaldo on more occasions than one.

While Ronaldo had the upper hand during his early days, owing to the fact that not many were privy to his style of play, Cole got back by marking him tightly and not allowing him the space to wreck havoc.

Such was the impact that Cole had on Ronaldo that the Portuguese even admitted that the English full-back was one of the toughest defenders he had ever faced. Speaking in an interview with Coach magazine, Ronaldo said:

“Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe. He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game.”