Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn’t be starting for Portugal at Euro 2024.
That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor, who believes Ronaldo could hinder his country’s chances of winning the tournament.
Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening game on Tuesday, with Robin Hranac’s own goal and Francisco Conceicao’s stoppage-time strike cancelling out Lukas Provod’s opener to seal all three points.
Ronaldo, who is now 39 years old, played the entire game.
But despite playing in the win, when Agbonlahor was asked by former England defender Stuart Pearce if Ronaldo could actually hinder Portugal, he had no hesitation with his answer.
“100 per cent mate,” he said. “Pearcey, honestly, I got hammered for saying it on social media but I was watching the game and I was like, ‘he’s not really the Ronaldo of old and they’re trying to cross it early just because Ronaldo’s in there.
“They’re trying to find him in the latter part of the pitch and get crosses in.
“But they weren’t really trusting him to play one-twos off… I just don’t think Ronaldo should be starting.
“Ronaldo coming on for 15, 20 minutes… You’ve got [Joao] Felix, [Diogo] Jota, who has played as a false nine before.
“I feel like Roberto Martinez is scared to drop Ronaldo. Is that going to be an issue later in the tournament?”
Pearce believes Martinez will benefit Ronaldo this tournament and work well with him, but agreed with Agbonlahor’s theory.
“I think Roberto is good for Ronaldo,” he said. “You know, him coming in he’s the type of manager who would enjoy working with Ronaldo and playing Ronaldo regularly.
“But sometimes as a manager, you’ve got to make those tough calls. Is it time to leave him out on occasion, is it not?”
Ronaldo holds the record the most European Championship appearances, having played in six in total.
The ex-Manchester United star has been ever-present since announcing himself on the international stage as a 19-year-old on home turf at EURO 2004.
To still be starting at the same tournament 20 years on is a mind-blowing achievement, regardless of whether he should start or not.
His celebrations when youngster Conceicao’s winner went in shows he’s as passionate as ever when it comes to helping his country to glory, just like he did at Euro 2016.
And with three shots on target in the opening clash of Euro 2024 coming to no avail, he’ll surely be itching to prove doubters wrong and add to his record tally of 130 goals for Portugal.
News Summary:
- Roberto Martinez accused of being ‘scared’ of dropping Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal Euro 2024 opener
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.