But the former England international insists the Manchester United winger must continue destroying defences for several seasons before he can stake a claim to being the best in the world.

Ronaldo will spearhead Manchester United's challenge in Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley where the Barclays Premiership champions are hoping to complete a domestic double.

"Ronaldo is a match-winner," Brooking said at the launch of Royal Mail's commemorative stamp set for the new Wembley Stadium.

"He gets people on the edge of their seats, runs past defenders, has an explosive shot and is good in the air.

"There's no question that this year he is playing with his head up more. He also seems to have understood that an easy pass is often the most telling pass.

"Now that he's varied his game it's so hard to stop him. If you know he'll try and take you on all the time you'll gang up and the second or third person might get him.

"But defenders are all over the place because they don't know if he'll run with the ball or release it.

"He's got everything in his armoury to be a world class player for the next few years.

"He's been one of the best three players in the world this season but to be the number one you must do it for a few seasons."

Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, believes Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will be desperate to win the FA Cup following the Blues' surrender of their Premiership crown.

He said: "With Manchester United having already won the league, a whole new level has been added to the match.

"United would love to do the double while Jose wants an FA Cup winners' medal on his CV.

"The expectation on the big four clubs is so big these days. They all want to win something.

"Liverpool have got to the Champions League final while Arsenal have had a transitional season.

"Chelsea and Manchester United have been up there fighting on three or four fronts for most of the campaign.

"But the pressure has built on Chelsea now that they've lost out on the Champions League and Premiership.

"So winning the FA Cup at the new Wembley would be massive for them."