FERGIE – RUUD IS WORLD CLASS

"There is no doubt about Ruud's standing among the best. No
doubting whatsoever,

"The proof of the pudding is always in the eating and you
saw that in Madrid.

"Raul and Ruud are different types of strikers but they both
put in fantastic performances on the highest stage and the
best stage you could get.

"It was the biggest game in the world and Ruud played like
that. That is what you call evidence.

"With van Nistelrooy in our team we can score goals,

"He was marvellous in Madrid. He's fantastic and he's
improving. Everything about him is improving. His overall
game is getting better. The way he is leading the line and
his strength? What a powerful man he is. Without question he
is more powerful than he has ever been.

"It's his second year in England and that has helped. He
came in last season for his first Premiership campaign after
being out for a year.

"He was tiring towards the end but now he can play all the
time.

"I predicted he could score as many goals again and more. We
knew he'd improve. Some players like Ruud want to improve.
It is more down to them than us. The desire of the lad is
that he wants to improve all the time.

"Some coaches will take all the credit for what happens to a
player. I am realistic. I'd rather the player wants to be a
better player. The guiding part is relatively easy if they
want it.

"Of all the players I have had the ones who've had the
desire to improve have been the great players. You can guide
them then if you have that tool to work with.

"They are the tool and if they have the hunger like Ruud has
then it is easier. Ruud wants to do it. He has the hunger to
be the best. So in that case it is relatively easy for us as
coaches."

Subscribe to the Red Issue magazine on line:

ROW Subs