Russia coach Guus Hiddink has slammed the crowning of Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo as World Player of the Year. "Cristiano Ronaldo is a good-looking footballer, he looks fit and, oh yes, his hair is always in place," said Hiddink. "But him winning the award is too much about glamour."

Hiddink insisted that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who today faces an FA Cup Merseyside derby with Everton, had a greater claim to being named the best player on the planet.

"I very much preferred Gerrard," said Hiddink. "He has superb technical and tactical qualities and I admire his spirit and attitude on the pitch.

"It has everything to do with his passion for the game and my passion for football.

"He is a player who fans can identify themselves with and a man who carries the love for his club on his club badge.

"There is not another player in the world who combines all those qualities. He is the type of player who appeals so much more to me than Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Of course, Ronaldo entertains the crowds and has great skills. But it is too much glamour and show. Gerrard, Barcelona's Xavi and Messi are not as much focused on themselves. They focus on the team."