Brazil legend Roberto Carlos addresses 'Shawberto Carlos' comparisons
By Max Cooper
Legendary Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos has heaped praise on England star Luke Shaw, describing the full-back as 'the best player' at Euro 2020.
Tongue-in-cheek comparisons were drawn between the pair throughout the summer competition, with the Three Lions defender earning the nickname, 'Shawberto Carlos' in honour of the Brazil icon.
And in an interview with GQ, the legendary full back described Shaw as 'the best player in the tournament', and urged the Manchester United man to keep up those high standards to fulfil his potential.
The 2002 World Cup winner said: "He was the best player in the tournament. He has to keep it up; he has to continue playing like that. That’s important."
Shaw has come in for plenty of criticism from fans - and even his own manager, in the case of Jose Mourinho - in the past, with question marks raised over his fitness and mental strength.
The defender has silenced his critics however, delivering another excellent string of displays for Man Utd in the Premier League, and cementing his place in the Three Lions' backline with his unwavering commitment.
He was at the heart of everything good that England did during Euro 2020, which they came within a whisker of winning. The Three Lions drew the final 1-1 after extra-time thanks to Shaw's early strike, but suffered penalty shootout heartbreak to Italy at Wembley stadium.
But Roberto Carlos was extremely impressed by England's performances, praising Gareth Southgate's side and suggesting that they 'deserve to win a trophy' with the level which they're playing at.
"I watched the entire Euros and the England team played really well," he said. "Losing is part of the game, part of football, and I really do hope that they can do well at the World Cup. If they can keep these standards up they deserve to win a trophy."
Carlos' affinity with England continued throughout the interview however, as he shared that he 'had an excellent relationship' with every English player that arrived at Real Madrid during his time in the Spanish capital, singling out David Beckham as a 'very close friend'.
"I got on really well and had an excellent relationship with all of them. Jonathan Woodgate, Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, but, in particular, David Beckham is someone I really got on 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 he also won the World Cup and Copa America for Brazil.