The legendary Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos has paid tribute to England star Luke Shaw and describes the hill as “the best player” at Euro 2020.
Tongue-in-cheek comparisons were made between the pair during the summer competition, with the Three Lions defender being nicknamed “Shawberto Carlos” in honor of Brazil’s icon.
Shaw was a hero in England at Euro 2020 / GES-Sportfoto / Getty Images
And in an interview with GQ, the legendary hill described Shaw as “the best player in the tournament” and urged the Manchester United man to keep the high standards to fulfill his potential.
The 2002 World Cup winner said: “He was the best player in the tournament. He has to keep going, he has to keep playing like that. It’s important.”
Shaw has come in for a lot of criticism from fans – and even his own manager, in the case of Jose Mourinho – in the past, with question marks being raised over his fitness and mental strength.
The defender has silenced his critics, delivered another series of excellent performances for Man Utd in the Premier League and cemented his place in the Three Lions backline with his unwavering commitment.
He was the core of everything good that England did during Euro 2020, which they came to win. The Three Lions drew the final 1-1 after extra time thanks to Shaw’s early strike, but suffered a heartbreaking penalty kick to Italy at Wembley Stadium.
But Roberto Carlos was extremely impressed with England’s performance, praising Gareth Southgate’s side and suggesting that they “deserve to win a trophy” with the level at which they play.
“I saw the whole euro and England played really well,” he said. “Losing is part of the game, part of football, and I really hope they can do well in the World Cup. If they can keep those standards up, they deserve to win a trophy.”
However, Carlos’ affinity with England continued throughout the interview, as he shared that he ‘had an excellent relationship’ with all the English players who arrived at Real Madrid during his time in the Spanish capital, pointing to David Beckham as a ‘very close friend’. .
Good Friends / Denis Doyle / Getty Images
“I got on really well and had a great relationship with them all. Jonathan Woodgate, Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, but in particular, David Beckham is someone I really got along very well with. He’s a very close friend.”
Carlos spent nine years in Madrid, winning four league titles and three Champions League trophies, while winning the World Cup and the Copa America for Brazil.
