With 763 career goals to his name, Cristiano Ronaldo is well known for his sensational attacking qualities.
But a compilation doing the rounds shows the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's defensive game is rather underrated.
@Ronaldo_GOAT_ posted a video of the 36-year-old stopping counter attacks and potential goals by putting a shift in for the team.
The compilation is 46 seconds long and features a slew of clips whereby Ronaldo makes important tackles and interceptions and is then able to turn defence into attack in a blink of an eye.
The first clip we see is Ronaldo cutting out Lionel Messi's attempted pass to Andres Iniesta in El Clasico, while the rest are from his time at Manchester United.
Advert
Ronaldo was allowed to express himself and strut his stuff on the flank but Sir Alex Ferguson regularly reminded him that he had to do work off the ball.
Work ethic has never been an issue for CR7 in his career and even now, being the star and talisman, for Juventus, he knows he still has defensive responsibilities to fulfil.
In December, when Juve beat Barcelona 3-0 at the Nou Camp and Ronaldo scored two penalties, the Portugal star also showed his defensive prowess.
Advert
After Messi conjured up one of his glorious nutmegs on Leonardo Bonucci, Ronaldo raced in to recover in brilliant fashion - beating Messi to the ball in his own box.
Similarly, Messi has also been praised for his defensive attributes over the years.
"Messi wins the ball playing as the false No.9. If you put him at left-back, he would be just as good. He is the best defender in the world," Guardiola once told reporters, as per Goal.
Advert
If you want to be a complete player like the two greats of this generation, you've got to be able to attack and defend.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, Manchester United, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid