Ricardo Carvalho: 'Cristiano Ronaldo is the best'

Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho has described his international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as "almost perfect" and believes that he will win the Ballon d'Or this year.

The Real Madrid forward has been in impressive form this season and has scored 23 goals in 17 appearances for the European champions.

"For us Portuguese, everyone is expecting that Cristiano can win the third Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or)," The Mirror quotes Carvalho as saying. "I think he's the best.

"We are so proud of him. He's doing a great job during these past six or seven years. He's improving in all the small details, making so many goals.

"He wants always more, even in training. Maybe next he can break his own records. He's looking always to try his best. It's difficult because, when you see him, he's almost perfect - strong, good in the air, fit always. It's difficult to say what he is missing."

Ronaldo is currently with the Portuguese squad ahead of his country's friendly with Argentina at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.