Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Preview - Ancelotti hails Ronaldo

Posted Friday, November 08, 2013 by PA

Carlo Ancelotti will send his Real Madrid side out against Real Sociedad on Saturday confident it contains the best player in the world.

Having missed out on the FIFA Ballon d'Or to Lionel Messi in each of the past four years, Ancelotti believes Cristiano Ronaldo is now the leading contender to usurp Barcelona's Argentinian forward.

Ronaldo, who trained on Friday after overcoming an ankle injury, has been in sensational form this season, scoring 21 goals in 16 games for Madrid in all competitions.

Messi has managed 14 goals in 13 games but has been below his brilliant best due to muscle injuries in both legs.

Ahead of the Bernabeu clash, Ancelotti told the Onda Cero radio station: "Give it (the Ballon d'Or) to Cristiano Ronaldo.

"For me the best player in the world right now is Cristiano. He is the top scorer in the league, the Champions League and if we talk about technical quality, he is also the best.

"He has great professionalism and his seriousness is amazing. This is the key to be at this level.

"He has not missed one minute, nor has he wanted to. It's great for the squad."

On Messi, he added: "He is critical to Barcelona but, at this time, he is not in optimum condition."

Despite not having a fully-firing Messi, Barca still lead the way in the Primera Division, six points ahead of third-placed Real with Atletico second.

And Ancelotti is not expecting an easy ride against a Sociedad side which finished fourth last season.

He added: "Real Sociedad are a great team. They are dangerous in attack and have fast players."

Sociedad held Manchester United to a goalless Champions League draw in midweek and coach Jagoba Arrasate is expecting another tough test at the Bernabeu.

He said at Friday's press conference: "We have to play a perfect match and above all take our chances because Madrid make you pay for any mistakes.

"We have to manage the ball well and know our plan."

With Madrid lying so far behind Barca at this relatively early stage, it has been suggested the capital club are in crisis but Arrasate dismissed suggestions that would make his team's task easier.

"Whether or not Real Madrid are in crisis, it is always difficult to win there," he said.

"Their attack is quick and although not as physically strong as Manchester United's, it has more punch.

"They are lethal, certainly one of the best attacks in the world."