Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is better than AC Milan's world player of the year Kaka, according to Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster.
The 23-year-old scored against Roma on Tuesday to take his tally to 36 goals for the season, while Kaka's form has dipped in Serie A.
"Ronaldo has already overtaken Kaka after (the Brazilian's) recent slump," said the German coach.
"Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world."
Kaka beat Ronaldo into third place in the voting for Fifa's world player of the year award last December, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi in second.
But Ronaldo's mesmeric form this season has seen the Portuguese winger move to the top of many observers' lists.
Schuster added that he would like to sign Ronaldo, although he accepted United were unlikely to let him leave in the immediate future.
MESSAGEBOARD
"He's the star at Old Trafford and until they win the Champions League and another league title or two then they aren't going to let him go," he said.
"So in the short term I don't think it will be possible to sign him.
"But in a couple of years, yes, I believe he could be wearing the white shirt at the Bernabeu."
The Bernabeu boss also suggested that Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was on his hit-list for next season.
"Drogba and Seville's Luis Fabiano are very good players. Madrid has to aspire to signing the best," he added.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~23~RS~)