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Walcott reminds Rio of Ronaldo

09/10/2008

Rio Ferdinand has claimed England team-mate Theo Walcott reminds him of Manchester United club-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Walcott announced himself on the European stage when he scored a memorable hat-trick against Croatia in Zagreb in England's last match - a 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory.

And Ferdinand was quick to compare the Arsenal youngster, who is still just 19, with one of the Premier League's top stars.

"His pace and eye-making runs means it does not matter what you put in front of him - just like Cristiano Ronaldo," the centre-back explained.

"If they see an opening they are quick enough to go through it and not get caught.

"It is about making the right decisions and every time I see him he is making the right decision.

"He's playing his part in goals and setting up a lot of goals and getting on the end of a lot of things himself."

As well as the Portuguese winger, Ferdinand also found ways to liken Walcott to another star turn closer to home.

"Theo knows what he's good at and Michael Owen was exactly the same," the England vice-captain continued.

"I was with Michael the whole time at the 1998 World Cup and you just knew he knew that he was a good player and what he was good at.

"You are seeing the same with Theo now - different players but the same mentality."