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11-02-2004, 07:07 AM
Pele praises Cassano Sunday 31 October, 2004
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Antonio Cassano can count on a fan as prestigious as the great Pele, but the legend claims the Balon d’Or should go to a defender.
O Rey is in Italy to promote a film about his life and was asked what Italian player he would like to play alongside.
“I think Antonio Cassano,� he stated. “He is a player who is very well known out in Brazil.�
The Roma starlet made his mark on the international stage during Euro 2004, but has often seen his reputation damaged by personality problems.
Serie A has other fine talents that Pele is keeping his eye on, including his fellow South Americans.
“Kaka is a great player and I have already compared him to Johann Cruyff in the past, while Andriy Shevchenko is also very talented. However, I’d give the Balon d’Or to a defender.�
Sheva and Kaka are among the contenders for the prestigious European Player of the Year award along with Ronaldinho, Deco, Adriano and Thierry Henry.
“Adriano is not a Fenomeno,� warned the World Cup winner. “Today he is an excellent player and one of the best strikers around, but he can improve a great deal. Perhaps he will become that class act soon and his power and shot remind me of Gigi Riva or the best Christian Vieri. I can say for sure that Adriano can partner Ronaldo.�
Pele would prefer to give the Balon d’Or to a less media friendly player this year.
“These trophies tend to favour those who score the goals,� added Pele, “but two years ago Roberto Carlos would have deserved it, while another two worthy contenders are Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta.�
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Antonio Cassano can count on a fan as prestigious as the great Pele, but the legend claims the Balon d’Or should go to a defender.
O Rey is in Italy to promote a film about his life and was asked what Italian player he would like to play alongside.
“I think Antonio Cassano,� he stated. “He is a player who is very well known out in Brazil.�
The Roma starlet made his mark on the international stage during Euro 2004, but has often seen his reputation damaged by personality problems.
Serie A has other fine talents that Pele is keeping his eye on, including his fellow South Americans.
“Kaka is a great player and I have already compared him to Johann Cruyff in the past, while Andriy Shevchenko is also very talented. However, I’d give the Balon d’Or to a defender.�
Sheva and Kaka are among the contenders for the prestigious European Player of the Year award along with Ronaldinho, Deco, Adriano and Thierry Henry.
“Adriano is not a Fenomeno,� warned the World Cup winner. “Today he is an excellent player and one of the best strikers around, but he can improve a great deal. Perhaps he will become that class act soon and his power and shot remind me of Gigi Riva or the best Christian Vieri. I can say for sure that Adriano can partner Ronaldo.�
Pele would prefer to give the Balon d’Or to a less media friendly player this year.
“These trophies tend to favour those who score the goals,� added Pele, “but two years ago Roberto Carlos would have deserved it, while another two worthy contenders are Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta.�