Cristiano Ronaldo Tipped Five Players For Greatness In 2015

Cristiano Ronaldo knows a thing or two about football and in 2015, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner used his knowledge and expertise to make a bold prediction.

The former Real Madrid forward named five players who he thought would go on to dominate world football.

In an interview with BT Sport, he would choose Martin Odegaard, Eden Hazard, Memphis Depay, Paul Pogba and Neymar as his selections

odegaard

He explained the reasons behind his bold choices.

"You see many players with potential," he said. "I will mention Martin Odegaard of Madrid for example, at 16 he's still young but you can see he's a very good player,"

"Hazard is also another example, the number seven of Manchester United, Memphis Depay is a good player too, Paul Pogba and maybe Neymar."

Depay

Perhaps the biggest disappointment on Ronaldo's list is Memphis Depay.

Manchester United splashed £31 million on 'the next big thing' from PSV Eindhoven and plenty thought it was one of the signings of the decade.

But he struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford after two disappointing seasons under Louis van Gaal and was eventually sold to Lyon, where he has since flourished.

Here is the brilliant clip with Ronaldo, as he talks Lionel Messi, Jose Mourinho and more:

In terms of his final choice, Neymar, it is common knowledge that Ronaldo has good relations with the PSG winger.

Before his record breaking move to the Ligue 1 side, the Ballon d'Or holder gave him a piece of advice, according to Diario Gol.

The former Manchester United winger sent a WhatsApp message to the Brazilian, advising him to either stay at the Camp Nou or, if he's really desperate for a move, to wait until Manchester United come for him.

Ronaldo

The 32 year old obviously thought that Ligue 1 would be a backward step and only a move to his former club would help push him into a superstar on his level, but Neymar chose to ignore his advice.

Thoughts on Ronaldo's choices here?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_