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.