At the age of 39, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations with his impressive performance on the field. He scored a remarkable 50 goals for Al-Nassr during the 2023-24 season, a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite his ongoing achievements, former Arsenal star Paul Merson has boldly suggested that Ronaldo be benched for the opening games of Euro 2024 due to the ‘lesser standard’ of the Saudi league.
Ronaldo’s Current Form
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has shown no signs of slowing down. He has set record-breaking hauls for Portugal’s caps and goalsPortugal’s caps and goals, with 206 appearances and 128 goals, respectively. As he prepares for his 11th major international tournament, his form remains a topic of intense discussion.
Merson’s Perspective
Paul Merson believes that while Ronaldo’s accomplishments are undeniable, the quality of the Saudi league should factor into his selection for the European Championship. Merson told Sportskeeda: “With Pepe and Ruben Dias at the back, they are defensively strong, and there is a lot of guile in midfield, but they are blessed with devastating pace and goals upfront. Bruno Fernandes is a top-class footballer and should play a starring role for Portugal, while Cristiano Ronaldo is still with the squad despite entering the twilight years of his career. He’s still their captain and banging in the goals in Saudi Arabia, but I think they’ll see what he’s like in the camp and take a call on his selection. I would leave him out of the first two games and get the qualification sorted before bringing him back for the final encounter. If he plays well, he can keep his spot, and that’s the right way to go about it, as it’s a massive jump for someone to come into the European Championship after playing at such a lesser standard in Saudi.”
The Bigger Picture
Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, fully supports Ronaldo. Martinez highlighted Ronaldo’s invaluable experience and leadership: “There is no other player in world football who can bring what Cristiano can bring to the locker room. It’s going to be his sixth European Championship. He is the only player to have played in five European Championships. We are talking about a unique feat in world football; this experience is important. Then we have the other players on the field and decisions to make. Cristiano is ready to help and give everything he can.”
What’s Next?
Portugal, the Euro 2016 champions, will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18. Following this, they will face Turkey and Georgia in their remaining Group F fixtures. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, Portugal is not just a participant, but a serious contender for the title, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
As Euro 2024 approaches, the debate over Ronaldo’s role will continue. His remarkable achievements and ongoing form argue for his inclusion, while considerations about the standard of competition in Saudi Arabia add another layer to the discussion. Roberto Martinez’s decisions will ultimately be crucial as Portugal aims for another continental crown.
