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Right, a brief comparison of Ronaldo and Marco Van Basten. Though both are goalscorers, they don't play in a similar way, as Ronaldo's game has been based on greater movement and attacking through different channels, while MVB was more of a pure target man up front (not to say his movement was poor in any way).
Ronaldo has probably got greater skill on the ball, which is what he uses to take on defenders and greater pace. Van Basten's talents did not lie in beating defenders, but his movement and ability to create space to get that critical opportunity to hurt opponents. Ronaldo's movement has also always been superb, which often throws defenders off.
MVB had greater vision and intelligence (tactically) in his play, as his ability to read the game and find openings in an opponent was outstanding. In this regard, Ronaldo can't compare, but his drive and ability is what makes up for this as he literally punctures holes into opponents defences, while MVB would be more opportunistic.
Technically, both are outstanding, but for different reasons, as Ronaldo's technical skill on the ball are his strengths, whilst MVB's technical ability was spread out more across a wider spectrum (in his intelligence, tactical ability and reading games, as mentioned above). However, that is not to underestimate either, as MVB was brilliant on the ball, while Ronaldo is brilliant still with his intelligence, tactical knowledge and so on.
Finally, both are simply outstanding finishers, but again often for different reasons. Both have superb shots, focusing on precision rather than power, and can shoot with both feet. Ronaldo has this incredible ability to beat or get behind defenders to be one on one with keepers on a regular basis, in which situation I can't say I've ever seen anyone better. However MVB is a lot stronger in the air and more reliable in that respect.
Injury wise, both suffered a lot in their careers. Ronaldo has been a little fortunate that he's had a lot of help from technological advances to recover, while MVB simply couldn't, not due to his own fault. drucurl, in the non-competitive matches you refer to, MVB usually isn't playing anywhere near to his capacity, which reduces risk, nor will he be put under the physical pressures he would be competitively.
Conclusion, both may be forwards, but both play very differently. Each has his own unique ability and without question both are the best forwards of their generation. Both have reached a plateau in football where comparing them is pointless, as having either would improve any team.
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