Portugal manager Roberto Martinez should drop Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist.
Despite being the leading international goal scorer in world football, Ronaldo's presence at the top of Portuguese frontline has been a large topic of debate in recent years. The 39-year-old is yet to hit the net at Euro 2024, but he did pass up the opportunity to score when through on goal to give Bruno Fernandes a tap-in during their 3-0 victory over Turkey.
If the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend was to be dropped, talents such as Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona's Joao Felix would likely be deployed to lead the line.
McCoist thinks it may be time for Martinez to make one of those changes. While speaking to talkSPORT Bet, McCoist said: "I'm not so sure that Cristiano Ronaldo should be starting every game for Portugal.
"That's something Roberto Martinez needs to take a look at. However, it's remarkable and fantastic what his team-mates from over the years say about him. His work ethic is a perfect example for any young player coming through.
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"There's nobody on this planet who has worked as hard at their game, body and diet. He's got as much out of his body as possible. That said, he can't go on forever. He'll probably want to start in every game at the Euros, but I'd be very surprised if that's the case.
"Roberto Martinez will be monitoring him and letting him have days off here and there. He's at the age where he knows his own body better than anyone else so they've just got to let him get on with it."
Ronaldo started both of Portugal's first two matches at Euro 2024 (Getty Images)Alongside being Portugal's most celebrated player and their top goal scorer, Ronaldo also captains the national team. Yet, his place in the starting line-up has been questioned repeatedly, reports the Daily Record.
During Portugal's World Cup campaign which ended with them being ousted in the quarter-finals by Morocco, Ronaldo kicked off the first three games against Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea, before then being left out for their 6-1 round of 16 victory over Switzerland and the defeat to the north Africans.
Ever since taking charge of Portugal in January 2023, Martinez has relied heavily on Ronaldo. Despite him now playing domestic football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to back him unfazed.
Martinez was waxing lyrical about Ronaldo's assist for Fernandes (Icon Sport via Getty Images)Martinez, given his highly enthusiastic commendation of Ronaldo's selfless assist for Fernandes, is set to continue depending on him in the upcoming knockout stages. On his outstanding pass, Martinez hailed: "That is a pure moment of Portuguese football.
"An example that should be taught in every academy not only in Portugal but across the globe highlighting that the team is paramount above everything else. That assist is probably worth more than any goal."
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