27 Feb “Electrifying” Kerr likened to Ronaldo, Messi

Fox Sports football commentator Andy Harper says Sam Kerr is the female version of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Kerr, 25, is recognised as one of the finest footballers in the women’s game and was today announced as the new Matildas captain ahead of this year’s World Cup in France.

Harper believes the “electrifying” nature of Kerr’s play is eerily similar to that of Ronaldo and Messi – who are considered to be two of the greatest male players in the history of the game.

“We’re going to be privileged to watch an internationally recognised athlete through the prime of her career and enjoy the ride,” Harper told SEN’s Whateley.

“Hopefully things can work out with the team in the short term and they can really aim up at the World Cup. If they do, Sam will be at the centre of what they’re achieving, and it will be thrilling viewing.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching her many, many times live through W-League and Matildas matches and it’s exhilarating.

“When she drops the clutch, turns on the ball and runs past defenders, she’s quite seriously in my opinion the female version of Ronaldo and Messi – she’s electrifying.”

Ronaldo, 34, has scored 594 goals and won 28 major titles across four clubs – Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Messi, 31, has netted 585 goals and won 33 trophies for Barcelona, with the pair winning every Ballon d'Or award between 2008-2017 in an astonishing decade of dominance.

Kerr finished fifth in the voting for the inaugural 2018 Women's Ballon d'Or award.

Listen to Andy Harper's chat on SEN's Whateley with Gerard Whateley in the player below