Ronaldo’s Current Form and Achievements
Ronaldo, now 39, enters his sixth European Championships after an impressive stint at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where he netted 64 goals in 70 appearances. As Portugal’s most celebrated player, he aims to build on his 206 caps and 128 goals in Germany.
Merson’s Perspective on Portugal’s Strategy
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson suggests that Ronaldo should begin the tournament on the bench and only join the starting lineup once Portugal has secured their place in the knockout stages.
‘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 personally leave him out of the first two league games and get qualification sorted before bringing him back for the final encounter.
He believes Portugal’s squad, despite its age, has enough individual quality to perform well. He notes the team’s defensive strength with Pepe and Ruben Dias, midfield skill, and attacking speed and goals, particularly highlighting Bruno Fernandes as a key player.
Tactical Approach for Euro 2024
Portugal, in Group F, will start their campaign on June 18 against the Czech Republic, followed by matches against Turkey and Georgia. Merson advises that Ronaldo, despite his continued goal-scoring prowess in Saudi Arabia, should be assessed in the camp before deciding on his selection. He suggests leaving Ronaldo out of the first two games, securing qualification, and then potentially starting him in the final group match. This approach would allow Ronaldo to prove his form before being relied upon in the knockout stages.
Portugal aims to improve on their performance from Euro 2016, where they won the championship, and Euro 2020, where they were eliminated in the last-16 by Belgium. With a squad featuring talents like Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, they hope for a strong showing at Euro 2024.
