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Cristiano Ronaldo Proved He Can Still Dribble Past Defenders Easily Aged 36

Cristiano Ronaldo Proved He Can Still Dribble Past Defenders Easily Aged 36

Cristiano Ronaldo produced a mazy dribble as Juventus drew against Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Two years ago, former manager Fabio Capello was quoted as saying: "The truth is that Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't dribbled [past] an opponent for three years."

Clearly, Capello, along with many others, felt Ronaldo had become more of a "moment player" and that his evolution saw him sacrifice dribbling for being a pure, unadulterated goalscorer.

Ronaldo himself has even gone on record to say he doesn't go on the pitch wanting to dribble anymore but last night, the recently-turned 36-year-old showed he's still more than capable.

Juventus drew 0-0 with Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg, with a 2-1 victory in the first leg enough to see them reach the final, where they will play Atalanta or Napoli.

And Ronaldo produced one of the game's highlights when he rinsed two Nerazzurri defenders. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was fed on the left flank and skipped past challenges using his signature step-overs.

Displaying impressive balance and agility, Ronaldo worked an opening and forced Samir Handanovic into making a smart save.

There's no denying that Ronaldo's dribbling was at its best and most exciting during his glittering spell at Manchester United but his ability to beat an opponent with skill has evidently not disappeared.

Ronaldo, with 300 career goals to his name since turning 30, has been backed to play into his 40s by Giovanni Mauri, a fitness coach who saw the Portugal sensation's innate discipline and work ethic at Real Madrid.

Mauri told Tuttosport : "When he [Ronaldo] arrived in Italy, I said he is a player out of the norm. He's settled in and he continues scoring.

"He is following the method we proposed him in Madrid where rest is a fundamental part of the training.

"Rest doesn't only mean to sleep. It's not passive, but it's made of specific exercises that aim to reach muscular, mental and articular wellness.

"I've worked with many footballers on their forties, from [Paolo] Maldini to [Alessandro] Costacurta.

"When I was at PSG I was sure Ibrahimovic would have played until 40 years old. They are all athletes with great flexibility despite their strength.

"Ibra has got a dancer's mobility despite a weight of almost 100 kilograms. Cristiano Ronaldo is part of this category and can play until he's 40."

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Topics: Football News, Juventus News, Football, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo, Inter Milan