Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal World Cup

'Playing with Ronaldo is a dream' - Andre Silva wants to lead World Cup bid alongside world's best

Andre Silva admits it is “a dream” to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, with a Portuguese team-mate considering the Real Madrid superstar to be “the best in the world”.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner lit up the World Cup with his first outing at Russia 2018, with a stunning hat-trick netted in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain.

Ronaldo is the only iconic performer to have delivered the level of performance expected of him so far, with the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar having struggled for Argentina and Brazil respectively.

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Silva believes the 33-year-old can always be relied upon to produce the goods and is hoping to be handed a starting berth alongside him against Morocco on Tuesday after joining the action against Spain off the bench.

The AC Milan forward told reporters on an illustrious colleague: "Playing next to him is a dream.

"He is the best in the world. I can say that makes things easier.

"Things come out more natural, sometimes passes that could be more difficult he facilitates. We understand each other very well. It’s good to play alongside him.

"I occupy spaces. In the movements, we open spaces for each other."

Victory in their next outing would leave Euro 2016 winners Portugal in a strong position to progress out of Group B.

Silva believes they are capable of collecting a priceless victory, but is also aware that Morocco – who lost 1-0 to Iran in their opener – will be a tough nut to crack.

Andre Silva Portugal

The 22-year-old added: "I consider Portugal stronger than Morocco, but the game will not be easy. Morocco has merit.

"There are no favourites and I do not think we are favourites for the World Cup.

"Everybody knows Morocco, there are a lot of players that were born in Europe, I think 17, and the game with Iran could have been different.

"Already we know they did not concede goals in qualifying and in the opening game they were only defeated by an own goal in the final moments.

"We have to trust in ourselves. We will find a way. If we show all our collective and individual quality will go well." 

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