Brazil legend Rivaldo has admitted that he finds it “tough to compare players” after fans likened Luke Shaw to Roberto Carlos at Euro 2020 this summer.
Shaw, 25, has been in impressive form for England and arguably the best left-back at the competition.
The Manchester United left-back was on the bench for England’s opening Euro 2020 win over Croatia at Wembley.
However, Shaw has since started every England match at the Euros under Gareth Southgate and picked up three assists so far.
The England international’s stunning performance in the Three Lions’ 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in the quarter-finals even earned him praise from Carlos.
Shaw’s comparisons to Brazil legend Carlos have even included his England teammates embracing his ‘Shawberto Carlos’ nickname.
Rivaldo, who played alongside Carlos on the international stage with Brazil, praised Shaw for being “very quick and powerful going forward and [who] crosses very well.”
However, the 1999 Ballon d’Or winner claimed it “isn’t fair” to make comparisons between Shaw and Carlos, saying that his former Brazil teammate was the “second-best player in the world in 1997.”
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| Credit: PA |
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| Credit: PA |
Rivaldo told Betfair: “Some press and fans are starting to compare Luke Shaw to Brazilian Roberto Carlos, but I always find it tough to compare players, especially when we talk about one of the greatest left-backs ever.
“Roberto Carlos was the second-best player in the world in 1997, so, perhaps it isn’t fair to make such comparisons, anyway, what I can say about Shaw is that he is doing a great job for the English team.
“He is very quick and powerful going forward and crosses very well, so, he is becoming a very complete left-back capable of doing all the important functions of that position.”
Carlos has since broken his silence and showered Shaw with praise, saying the England full-back has everything he needs to reach the “top” level.
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| Credit: PA |
The 48-year-old Real Madrid legend told PA Sport: “You can see he’s very motivated, his performance against Ukraine was very good. He’s been improving each game.
“I think he’s got everything to get to the top. He’s the left-back for England — that in itself says a lot.”
England punched their ticket to the final of Euro 2020 with a 2-1 victory over Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday.
Gareth Southgate’s men will face Italy at Wembley on Sunday as England hope to secure their first major international honours since 1966.
The England boss is expected to start Shaw in the Euro 2020 final against Roberto Mancini’s impressive side.
Featured Image Credit: PA