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Wolves winger Adama Traore is tougher to mark than five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, claims Newcastle defender Jetro Willems.
The Dutchman is well placed to pass such judgement having faced two fearsome forwards with club and country.
Willems tackled Ronaldo when lining up against Portugal for the Netherlands at Euro 2012
His most recent Premier League outing saw him face the considerable threat of Traore, with Newcastle taking in a trip to Molineux.
The 25-year-old wing-back fared admirably in that challenge, as Steve Bruce’s side took a point from a 1-1 draw.
Willems admits to having had a tough afternoon, though, with chasing the jet-heeled Traore considered to be a trickier task than trying to contain Ronaldo – despite the Juventus forward having bagged a brace for his nation in a 2-1 win for Portugal back in 2012.
“I have played against some very good players in my career, but no one quite as fast as Traore,” Willems said in the Northern Echo.
“He is unbelievable, definitely a beast. Not only is he incredibly fast, he is so, so strong as well.
“He’s known as the fastest man in football and now I know that is true. I like to think I am quite fast too – at least I did before playing against him! That was something else.
“I have played against Ronaldo, who is fast, but not that fast. Of course, he is so skilful but sometimes that is easier than being up against someone with such incredible pace.”