Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believes Cristiano Ronaldo would struggle to replicate his goalscoring feats for Real Madrid in the Premier League.
The Dutchman has experienced both England’s top flight and La Liga first hand, and believes the Premier League is far tougher than Spain’s top division.
“Everyone knows that the Dutch league is at a lower level, but even in Spain that level of competition just isn’t there,” Koeman told FIFA.com.
“I don’t think Ronaldo, for example – though he is clearly a great player – would be scoring 40, 50 goals a season if he was still playing in England.”
Koeman has enjoyed an impressive first season at Southampton, and hopes to maintain the club’s success.
“What I wanted was to be part of a club that is forward-thinking and focuses on developing young players; building from that foundation,” he continued.
“That’s what I had been used to and had enjoyed in Holland. There is a framework here – the academy is fantastic, the facilities are amazing – and it is good club with a long-term strategy.
“I enjoy being part of that and find it exciting as a coach. My feeling was that this was my kind of club.”
