An Arsenal legend has advised Portugal’s manager, Roberto Martinez, to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting lineup for the team’s initial matches at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. The ex-Real Madrid star, who is set to make his sixth European Championship appearance, was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season, scoring an impressive 35 goals in 31 games for Al-Nassr.
Despite his prolific form, the former Arsenal player believes that Ronaldo should not be an automatic starter for Portugal. He suggests that the team should prioritize qualifying from the group stage first and then bring Ronaldo into the fold for the latter stages of the tournament. This strategy would allow Portugal to assess Ronaldo’s form and fitness within the camp before making a decision on his selection.
However, Martinez has reaffirmed the importance of Ronaldo to the squad, highlighting his unique experience of playing in five previous European Championships. The manager also emphasized the presence and leadership that Ronaldo brings to the dressing room. With other leaders in the squad, such as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Portugal has a strong foundation to build upon.
Portugal will face the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Georgia in their opening group stage matches. The team boasts a strong defense with Pepe and Ruben Dias, guile in midfield, and devastating pace and goals upfront. With Ronaldo in the mix, Portugal will be a force to be reckoned with at Euro 2024.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez (pictured) has reaffirmed Ronaldo’s importance to his side
But Paul Merson (pictured) believes Ronaldo should not play in Portugal’s opening matches
Merson believed Ronaldo (center) could come in and play in the later rounds of the tournament
The ex-Arsenal star added that it would be a ‘big jump’ for Ronaldo (pictured) to move from the Saudi Pro League to the Euros
Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has sparked debate by suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo should not be an automatic starter for Portugal at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. This comes as the 39-year-old forward prepares to make his sixth appearance at the European Championship, aiming to bounce back from Portugal’s quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup.
Despite Ronaldo’s prolific form for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Merson believes that Portugal should prioritize qualifying from the group stage first. He suggests that the team should assess Ronaldo’s form and fitness within the camp before making a decision on his selection for the latter stages of the tournament. This strategic approach would allow Portugal to benefit from Ronaldo’s experience and goalscoring prowess when it matters most.
Portugal’s manager, Roberto Martinez, has reaffirmed the importance of Ronaldo to the squad. He highlights the unique experience that Ronaldo brings as the only player to have participated in five previous European Championships. Additionally, Martinez emphasizes the presence and leadership that Ronaldo provides in the dressing room, complementing other leaders in the squad such as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
With a strong defense, a talented midfield, and a lethal attack, Portugal is well-equipped to make a deep run at Euro 2024. The inclusion of Ronaldo, who has scored an impressive 58 goals in 64 games for Al-Nassr, adds further firepower to the team. However, Merson’s suggestion to manage his game time strategically could prove beneficial as Portugal aims to navigate the challenges of the group stage and beyond.