Ronaldo is like Michael Jordan, says Elche boss

Elche boss Fran Escriba has described Cristiano Ronaldo as football’s version of Michael Jordan after the Portuguese grabbed four goals in the 5-1 demolition on Tuesday night.

Just three days after scoring a hat trick against Deportivo La Coruna, the 29-year-old went one better against Elche, as his four goals helped Madrid come from behind.

It was his 25th hat trick for the club since his arrival from Manchester United in 2009 and he moves to within one of club record holder Alfredo di Stefano.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner has now also scored 187 goals in La Liga, placing him third on the list of all time scorers in the Spanish league.

Speaking after the game, Escriba said Ronaldo was like NBA legend Michael Jordan in that he just scores for fun every game.  He added that the Portugal forward is capable of finding the net himself and doesn’t need the help of two penalty kicks to get him on his way.

“Ronaldo is an extraordinary player with tremendous scoring ability,” Escriba told reporters.

“This is like when Michael Jordan was playing and scoring 50 points every night. And on top of that he got two penalties. He doesn’t need the help.”