Jefferson Lerma, a seasoned Premier League player currently showcasing his skills at Crystal Palace, has singled out Cristiano Ronaldo as the most formidable player he's encountered on the field. Lerma, who seamlessly transitioned into Roy Hodgson's squad after moving from Bournemouth to Selhurst Park, expressed his admiration for Ronaldo ahead of an imminent Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Reflecting on his career and the top-tier players he's encountered, Lerma acknowledged the challenge posed by renowned figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly during their peak performances.
Despite the difficulty in choosing the ultimate standout, Lerma leaned towards Cristiano Ronaldo as the toughest adversary he's faced.
During his tenure at Levante between 2015 and 2018, Lerma confronted both Ronaldo and Messi in La Liga encounters.
Moreover, Lerma's international appearances in CONMEBOL matches have frequently pitted him against Messi, further solidifying his appreciation for the Argentine maestro's abilities.
Having featured in 12 games for Crystal Palace this season across various competitions, Lerma's presence in the midfield remains pivotal, despite missing four games due to injury.
His experience and prowess will be instrumental as the Eagles gear up to take on Liverpool in an eagerly anticipated fixture.
